Washed Bike - refused to start

[JediGoat]

<Avert eyes - all proud, shiny bike owners>

Now, I accept this may be a dumb question, but.......

Yesterday, for once in it's life, my bike got a wash. Actually to be truthful, it's been washed once before, with a hose, but seeing as Thames Water has a hosepipe ban, this time it was done with a bucket, sponge, and a watering can for rinsing.

After semi-carefully, getting rid of most of the dirt (including my famous slap-dash Muc-off treatment to only the bits of the wheels that are immedialtely visible ) I tried to start the little fella up.

One slight cough, and then the starter motor chugging like as trooper was all I got. I kept trying (with and without throttle), but to no avail. And seeing as the regulator may be faulty, I didn't want to push the issue and kill the battery.

So, I followed the only mechanical knowledge I have....wait until tomorrow and try again! I assumed that I'd soaked the spark plugs (complete guess) and if I let them dry out it'd be ok.

So this morning, needed to get up to hertfordshire, go to start up....starter motor turns over...minor tickle on the first go...then just the starter motor spinning. Tried quarter throttle, then half throttle, then full throttle.......get a splutter. Went all guns blazing full throttle again and it fired.

Is it possible to cause this much of a faff just by washing the bike a little carelessly? Or could this relate to the problems I've had before:
http://forums.sv650.org/viewtopic.php?t=34976

Any advice appreciated, because firstly, I ain't got a clue, secondly I ain't got no mechanical knowledge, and thirdly, if this is a taste of things to come, I may never wash my bike again!

</Avert eyes>

Ta
Jo -> mechanicophobe

Every chance that you soaked the front plug mate. I am never one for lashing water at a bike when cleaning it and maybe more damp sponge or cloth rather than throwing water at it might prevent the problem next time.

Many of the guys have taken to sealing the front plug in with some silicone sealant which seems a good idea to me. Easily peel off again when you actually want to remove the plug in future.Apply the silicone from the bottom of the plug all the way up and an inch or so up over the cap and to about an inch up the cable itself would be my way. Dont be scared of slapping it on as it cant do any harm.(All of that with the plug screwed in to the engine of course )

Pop down to B ans Q as any common or garden silicone should do the job to my thinking.

[JediGoat]

Peter

Thanks for the reply mate.

It's sounds like it's as I thought.....a little over exuberant on the cleaning front (note: read - lazy water chucking approach)

Will promise to refrain from cleaning ever again

Ta
Jo

Don't go that far mate,you got to keep it looking good. It is just one of those rare annoying things that can upset the SV though. If you do the silicone thing you might not need to fit a "fender extender" which basically is an extension to the front mudguard which prevents so much water spraying back on the plug if you ride in the rain.

Me I dont do rain mate!

I wash my bike reguarly and use a power washer to rince it and never have a prob starting afterwards

Billy...I guess it is just a case of luck of the draw. Plenty of guys and girls have suffered this problem,others have been lucky not to.

[JediGoat]

I used my power washer last time, with no probs. But the young fella has been a bit temperamental of late

dont wash it!
use house hold polish!
quick and convienient and looks good too!

used to have same problem when washing mine. this was before i joined this site
it would run fine b4 washing but run like a dog after a good clean, its all thanks to the good people here that i found out what the problem was.
instead of greasing the front plug cap i wrapped a bit of plumbers white ptfe tape round my front plug lead..fantastic,and no rough running when we have a downpour

Originally Posted by medwaysv

used to have same problem when washing mine. this was before i joined this site
it would run fine b4 washing but run like a dog after a good clean, its all thanks to the good people here that i found out what the problem was.
instead of greasing the front plug cap i wrapped a bit of plumbers white ptfe tape round my front plug lead..fantastic,and no rough running when we have a downpour

that's not a bad alternative