Coolant Safety Switch...?

[Balsawings]

I just changed out the timing belts on my dad's '81 Interstate. After getting them on I thought I would run the engine before putting the radiator back on. It run fine before changing the belts (sort of. I still have to tune the carbs, but it ran). Now without the radiator installed the engine doesn't want to run. Nothing, no fire, no pop, nothing.

Is there a safety switch on the bike to keep it from starting if there is no coolant? I would like to get confirmation before putting the radiator back on.

Thanks

Bob C.

[winguyjo]

no. is the kill switch in the 'run' position ?

[Balsawings]

Kill switch is the first thing checked when it wouldn't start.

Bob C.

[winguyjo]

had to be asked ... been there done that.

then the next obvious thing is to check your work ... crank at tdc, both cam sprockets with the marks lined up and facing "up" ?

[Balsawings]

Winguy,

No problem. Keep asking questions. That's why I posted this topic. You're double checking my work. The pictures show the timing marks on the gears/pulleys and the fly wheel T1 mark. That's how it sets right now on the lift.

Bob C.

[winguyjo]

i know that valve spring pressure forces the left sprocket out of alignment (2nd pic), so i THINK you are ok there, but i may be wrong ... hopefully someone will correct me if i am (it's been a while). you may have to re-align that one.

[winguyjo]

sorry ... right cam sprocket.

[winguyjo]

while we are waiting for someone else to chime in ... do you have spark ? petcock open ?

[Balsawings]

Winguy,

Look closer at the right pulley. There are two marks. The top mark that is marked with blue is the correct (I think) mark for the timing. The timing marks are actually raised. The mark below the one in blue is actually cut into the pulley. I not sure what that mark is for. The way I've got the marks now is the same as when the old belts were on there.

This is actually my second go at the belts. The first time I set the new belts the bike ran, but poorly. I went back in there to check the belts and found that I had both belts off by one tooth so I reset them. The first go I had put the radiator back on and had filled it with water and it ran. Now I've got the belts set correctly (I hope) but haven't put the radiator back on yet. This is why I had the question about some kind of safety switch. Unless you or someone else speaks up with another suggestion I'll put the radiator back on tomorrow and try it again. I'm just trying to keep from having to put the radiator back on and end up having to take it back off again later to adjust something again. I thought that starting it up would confirm that I had the timing right. Of course it might be telling me that I've got something wrong.

If anything else comes to mind, please let me know.

Bob C.

[Balsawings]

Tried petcock in the on and reserve position and also put more gas in the tank just in case, then realized there was no spark. It really has me stumped. Of course you realize that in the end it will probably be something simple and stupid (on my part).

Bob C.

[winguyjo]

no spark it is. i had a bike recently that was giving me a "false neutral". it required some fiddling with the gear shift lever to get it started. may want to inspect the neutral switch wiring since you have been working in that general area.

and yes, on 2nd thought i think your cam pulleys are lined up properly.

[DenverWinger]

Once you get the No-Spark figured out the engine will start and run with no coolant or radiator, there is no safety interlock. Not even a safety for overheating, it will run until the valves melt.

[MattMcCoy]

How old is the battery, is it fully charged, and have you checked the main fuse?

[joecoolsuncle]

Winguy,

No problem. Keep asking questions. That's why I posted this topic. You're double checking my work. The pictures show the timing marks on the gears/pulleys and the fly wheel T1 mark. That's how it sets right now on the lift.

Bob C.

Timing Left.jpg
Timing Right.jpg
T1 mark.jpg
[/quote

check for wire(s) accidentally disconnected when you removed the radiator. OH, and when you find your problem, before installing radiator and belt covers, would you purty please take video of the pulleys rotating at idle? i would like to see the amount of wobble in the cam pulley sprockets. thanks