K5 - not starting
 

Hoping the .org doctors can help me here.

I have a K5 that has been idle for 18 months or so. I've put new plugs, new battery and fresh fuel in but can't get it started. It will turn over, but just won't fire.

Normally I would have thought it might just take a while to get fuel through, however when the ignition is on, the dash lights up and you get the normal lights, however the speedo is illuminated, but blank...

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

Re: K5 - not starting
 

If it helps last time that was running, it fired OK, but the rear pot was intermitant, the speedo was definately working to.

Not a fuse thats gone pop is it ?

Re: K5 - not starting
 

Blown fuse or loose and corroded connector. Pack of fuses, ACF50 and wire brush/ wool will be a start.

Oil and filters may help the situation too

Re: K5 - not starting
 

Gummed up fuel lines or injectors, even if you've put fresh fuel in it

Re: K5 - not starting
 

Didn't have time to start major diagnostics, the bike's in my Dad's garage. Have oil and filter ready to go on, but wanted to get it running first to get the oil warm before draining, although I guess it might be better to just drain whatever is in first and put a clean filter in.

Just thought it was a bit weird that the dash lights up fine, but the speedo is just blank :confused:

Will have more time over Chrimbo to do a full end to end clean and inspection of everything, but just thought it might be something easy. Will check fuses too.

With regards to the rear cylinder, the rear spark plug was clean as a whistle, as if it hasn't been firing for a while (which was expected). However when I checked the resistance of both the existing and spare HT lead, you get a reading across both the terminals, but not when connected from the plug cap back to the terminals...not even continuity...is that right? (Haynes says there should be a (secondary) reading from cap to terminal. Appreciate it might be that the spare lead is duff as well, just thought you'd at least get continuity between either end?

Re: K5 - not starting
 

Any hints/tips to check things like the fuel lines etc?

Re: K5 - not starting
 

Id check for a spark on both plugs first to exclude a leccy problem,then look at gummed up fuel system.Oil and filter is completely irrelevant to the starting issue.

Re: K5 - not starting
 

Yeah - I knew oil and filter was irrelevant to starting, but still curious as to whether to change before or after getting the engine going.

Re: K5 - not starting
 

Oil is usually best changed HOT so I would be checking the sparks and getting it running first... Did the plugs smell of fuel when you took them out?

Re: K5 - not starting
 

have you checked for a spark? surely thats the first thing to do?