Sure-fire start

[Mean Wing]

Are there any "sure-fire" techniques out there to assist in a quick start up? I've got a brand new Battery, as well as keeping it maintained on a Battery Tender, but it takes some effort to get my '78 to crank from a cold start (no problem when the engine's warm). And, yes, the choke is all the way out. It always jumps to life for the first second, but then quits. Then, it's a labor of continuous cranking until it finally spits and sputters to a steady idle, all the while taking a toll on the battery's umpf.

[WingAdmin]

Next time you try, before hitting the starter, crank the throttle quickly from closed to wide open two or three times, then try to start. See if it makes any difference. If not, try again but hold the throttle open - either part way or wide open while cranking.

[sfruechte]

I don't think cranking the throttle a few times will make any difference on carbs without an accelerator pump. If it is flooded, holding it open will help.

Try turning the key on and the emergency kill switch off, then crank for a couple of revolutions before turning the emergency kill switch back on while cranking. If that helps, you know it is too lean. I would try adding a good amount of seafoam to your gas and see if that helps clean your jets before tearing into the carbs.

After setting for 4 or 5 months over winter, the first time I start it, I cheat a little by squirting a little carb cleaner directly into the intake with the air cleaner cover off. It usually fires right up and saves any extra cranking for that first of the season start.

[WingAdmin]

I don't think cranking the throttle a few times will make any difference on carbs without an accelerator pump. If it is flooded, holding it open will help.

Try turning the key on and the emergency kill switch off, then crank for a couple of revolutions before turning the emergency kill switch back on while cranking. If that helps, you know it is too lean. I would try adding a good amount of seafoam to your gas and see if that helps clean your jets before tearing into the carbs.

After setting for 4 or 5 months over winter, the first time I start it, I cheat a little by squirting a little carb cleaner directly into the intake with the air cleaner cover off. It usually fires right up and saves any extra cranking for that first of the season start.

Oh you're right, I forgot that the accelerator pumps didn't come along until the GL1100 carbs. What I was going for was thinking that fuel had evaporated or leaked from float bowls, meaning there was just a tiny bit left - just enough to get it to kick over for a second or two, after which it would run out until the fuel pump had pumped more up to the bowls.

I suppose this could be verified by draining a float bowl before starting, to see if any fuel did in fact come out, and if so, how much.

[maintainer]

I own a 77 GL 1000 and admit they are a cold natured beast for the first couple of minutes.

Make sure (if the carbs are right) that anything related to spark delivery and timing is correct.

Mine doesn't really need or like to be choked.


It has basically new everything spark delivery related but after a minute of babysitting the throttle it will idle on it's own from a cold start.

My 82 GL 1100 never needs any choke or throttle babysitting from a cold start, not sure what the difference is.

[Mean Wing]

Try turning the key on and the emergency kill switch off, then crank for a couple of revolutions before turning the emergency kill switch back on while cranking. If that helps, you know it is too lean.

sfruechte, you are a genius! That technique (above) worked like a champ! My '77 started right up when the Kill switch was moved to on. Thanks! I'm back to being a happy camper! Now, what would you suggest if, in fact, "it is too lean?"

On a side note, this is for maintainer too, I have less than 400 miles on my GL1000 since I received and reinstalled my Carb Set from Pistol Pete's (w/ a Randakk's Kit), so I'm a bit hesitant to suspect any Carb issues.

[Fred Camper]

My understanding is that it is due to the mechanical fuel pump. Those with an electric pump let the pump run first and they fire right up. Float level is critical and so is the level of fuel in the bowls. It takes a bit for the mechanical pump to catch up.

[maintainer]

On a side note, this is for maintainer too, I have less than 400 miles on my GL1000 since I received and reinstalled my Carb Set from Pistol Pete's (w/ a Randakk's Kit), so I'm a bit hesitant to suspect any Carb issues. [/quote]

Oh ok, you're right if they did the carbs all should be well there.