Intermittent Start

[shiftin_gear98]

Hello Tech bods, hopefully you are out there.
My issue started yesterday evening. No it wasn't or hadn't rained. When I went to leave work I turned the key lights all on hear things prime. Push start button, nothing. Turn key off, check side stand is up etc. Turn key, lights prime, push button - roars into life. Ride home.
This morning same thing, first time nothing second time, shes alive, stop for petrol starts first time.
Roll onto tonight come home. Yep same again this time I just had to push the button a couple of times.
OK so I have taken the switch apart all looked pretty good for 50000 miles. Gave it a blow with a airline a spray of GT85 all I've got. And another blow out. Same deal. Nothing first time, key off, starts. Wagwan.

What do I look at and how, remember I'm a borderline retard.

[garynortheast]

Have a look at the clutch switch Martin. Get some switch cleaner into it.

[Red ones]

Mine does the same after it's been cleaned. I put it down to an allergy.

[shiftin_gear98]

Red Ones, mine was cleaned about 4years ago.
Gary, thanks I'll start there.

[garynortheast]

Sometimes it can be down to wear on the clutch lever pivot, so that the lever no longer pulls back far enough to release the switch.

Red Ones, all of my switch gear gets treated to GT85 or WD40 and switch cleaner after a wash. Switchgear full of water tends not to work too well!

[R1ffR4ff]

Have you ever had the Large Electrical connector under the tank near the headstock apart?

Check it for corrosion.If there is corrosion clean with a very small screwdriver with a bit of 500 grit paper wrapped around it and carefully scrape the corrosion off the pins and sockets and then spray with some Switch cleaner.Then work the two halves in and out to clear the contacts.

I've done all my connectors/bulb holders this way and treated them with ACF50 to help slow down and prevent further corrosion.

[shiftin_gear98]

RiffR4ff, the green one? Yeah although a year or so ago. It was spotless. Might be worth looking again.

[R1ffR4ff]

Originally Posted by shiftin_gear98

RiffR4ff, the green one? Yeah although a year or so ago. It was spotless. Might be worth looking again.

Nice one.These connectors are often over looked.I did the lot before I put my 1999 on the road as I know most Bikers and even garages never do them.

I also took out every Fuse one at a time and checked and did them as well as I've had intermittent starts caused by crusty fuse connections/blades.

I also use ACF50 down and into my Ignition Barrel and took apart my Handlebar controls and did those as well.

[shiftin_gear98]

I had a quick look at the clutch switch - well I pulled the connector off. It wasn't corroded but was a bit gunky.
Quick blow out, thankfully compressor still had air in from last night. A scrap with a flat bladed screw driver on the contacts. GT85 and another blow out.


Started first time. Lets see what happens tonight.


Thanks for the pointer.

[R1ffR4ff]

Originally Posted by shiftin_gear98

I had a quick look at the clutch switch - well I pulled the connector off. It wasn't corroded but was a bit gunky.
Quick blow out, thankfully compressor still had air in from last night. A scrap with a flat bladed screw driver on the contacts. GT85 and another blow out.


Started first time. Lets see what happens tonight.


Thanks for the pointer.

I wouldn't use GT85 on the inside of connectors as it's none conductive.It usually gets scraped off anyway when you push the connectors together so no biggy.

Toolstation do the proper stuff for £2.50 ish,

https://www.toolstation.com/shop/p81...xoCykcQAvD_BwE





I use GT85 for loads of things and it's ok on the outside of the connectors if you don't have ACF50.I also use GT85 on my Bike Gloves and boots to re-waterproof as it's inert and doesn't damage stitching and water just beads off it.
I also use GT85 on all my Carb linkages after they had been treated with ACF50.