77 goldwing wont start

[BlackGoldwing]

I was riding my 77 Goldwing today and she was running just fine, i pulled up and all of the sudden it shut off, lights and gauges stayed on but the engine cut off. i tried starting it again but it wouldn't turn it would just crank. Any thoughts on what it could be?

[virgilmobile]

Kill switch.Check for spark.

[thrasherg]

Well you need 3 things for it to work, Fuel, spark & compression. Assuming your compression didn't just dissapear (highly unlikely, usually due to a broken timing belt) you either lost fuel or spark. I think either is equally likely. As mentioned try unplugging a spark plug cap, plug it onto a free spark plug and see if you have a spark? by cranking it over and watching the plug for a spark, then try unscrewing the drain screws on one of the carbs and see if any gas comes out? I suspect either a blocked fuel tank vent or a failed fuel pump, but you will have to check by opening the drain screw on one of the carbs and see if there was any gas in the carbs.. Let us know what you find out.

Gary

[WingAdmin]

If it cut off suddenly (like you just shut it off), then you need to look to an electrical fault. If it kind of stumbled and died, then look more towards fuel.

[BlackGoldwing]

Yeah it was a sudden stop, thank you all for the advice i will check all of those out and get back to you guys.

[Fred Camper]

Ggod advice above, if running and dies slow then likely fuel. If running and stops like you shut it off, then most likely electrical. Always better to get all 4 sparking before any carb work.

[deerhunter80]

mine did the same thing, i just found out about an hour ago all 4 of my plugs r fouled

[BlackGoldwing]

Hey guys thank you again for the posts, what ended up happing is there was an aftermarket starter that was installed and the wiring wasn't done correctly so when it got hot it fried the wires. Everything is fixed and she is running like a dream again.

[Fred Camper]

Good find, nice you got that resolved. And just in time for some great weather.

[donavont44]

My 1977 Honda GL1000 has something strange going on. When I turn the ignition on, all of the normal lights are engaged. When I hold the clutch and press the start button the bike cranks 1 time very slowly then doesn’t do it again, almost as if the battery is dead. Usually it’ll crank and run fine, I’ll ride around then when I stop and turn it off it does the 1 slow crank then stops. Usually after a day of sitting, it’ll return to normal; but if I turn it off, I have to wait a day before it starts again. Any help?

[Rambozo]

Trace power and grounds with a voltmeter.