85 gl1200 Ltd not starting

[Eric.m.]

I recently picked up a 1985 gl1200 ltd for next to nothing. Problem is it doesn’t run. Cleaned the tank, replaced the fuel pump and filter, cleaned fuel rails and injectors, replaced the crank position sensor or “pulse generator” and still nothing. I replaced the PG because the plugs would spark when cold but as soon as the motor cranked over more than 5 times it would stop sparking... this is still occurring after the PG has been replaced. It’s flashing codes 02, 012 and 3 alone. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. One more question does anyone have a supplementle manual they could email me?

[virgilmobile]

I'll give it a go but first...I don't recognize the code numbers ..2-12-3
Does you bike have lights on the module that show like this?

[Rednaxs60]

I'll chime in as well. Is the Fuel System light on on the dash. This light is similar to the check engine light on a car.

The "W" light is on whenever there is an error code . For the "W-0-2" air temp sensor fitted into the top of the air cleaner, the engine will start and operate, but the fuel system light will be on as well. Check this - disconnect and connect - error code should go away.

The other codes you are seeing on the ECU are for the injectors for all cylinders. I would disconnect and reconnect the injector connections to see if the error codes disappear.

When you turn on the key do you hear the fuel pp come on for about 2-4 seconds then stop? If so the fuel circuit is operating correctly. The fuel pp will start immediately when the engine starts.

Why did the PO sell the bike to you for such a low price as you mention? Any info you can provide us would help.

PM sent.

Cheers

[ct1500]

So you do have some spark when cranking and if fuel was present it should start. You can try a slight shot of starting fluid in the intake to see if it wants to start.
I suspect a no fuel condition getting to the injectors, find the fuel pressure service port and depress the valve, if pump and regulator are operational there should be about 30psi after fuel rail is pressurized.

[Eric.m.]

Fuel pump runs 2-3 seconds when you turn the key, it has the appropriate amount of fuel pressure. So the codes it is throwing are mainly for the injectors? I was worried about that.. I was able to open the injectors and clean them by pulling them off of the bike, actuating them by running 12 volts and spraying them with throttle body cleaner and a final spray with compressed air. When I ran power to them I herd them hem click open. Before I did this I wanted to see which side was positive and negative, doesn’t really matter but I was curious so when I had the injectors out of the bike I turned the key on and tried to find the negative side of the plug by checking continuity from negative battery terminal to either side of the plug. I only did this because I didn’t have a manual to tell me which was which. Anyway. I was never able to complete a circuit on either side of the plug. So I probably have a short or something is unplugged. Back to the spark issue.. I don’t understand why it would crank and spark for literally 5 seconds and stop.. the guy I bought it of was an old timer and didn’t want to work on it. It was his brothers bike originally and it would run and than die randomly. When I herd this I thought okay must be the pulse generator. But after replacing I still have the same problem. I’m pretty stuck but I’m sure with a little more digging I will figure it out.

[ct1500]

Before I did this I wanted to see which side was positive and negative, doesn’t really matter but I was curious so when I had the injectors out of the bike I turned the key on and tried to find the negative side of the plug by checking continuity from negative battery terminal to either side of the plug. I only did this because I didn’t have a manual to tell me which was which. Anyway. I was never able to complete a circuit on either side of the plug. So I probably have a short or something is unplugged. Back to the spark issue.. I don’t understand why it would crank and spark for literally 5 seconds and stop..

Randomly probing electronic ECM connections are the one thing you are not supposed to do. You will likely not find a ground because the ECM does that as well as supplying voltage with engine cranking or running, checking for continuity is alright with key off. Noid lites are used to plug into a harness to observe electrical function.

With regard to the spark dropping out it would be OK to test battery positive of coil to see if it is cutting out there.

[Justin1200]

Helle, I’m new to the GL world. Have a 85 LTD. 2 questions: how did you clean the rail and injectors? And where do I find the ECU codes you mention here?
Thanks!

[Rednaxs60]

These bikes are great when operating well, but can be a challenge when issues occur. You need to get the manuals for the FI bikes, if not, you will have a harder time diagnosing the issue(s). Bike and Dennis over on Steve Saunders site mentioned that he wouldn't put fuel in one without having the manuals, I agree, and I have one of these FI models.

[rcgreg]

You got 2 of them Ernest !

[Rednaxs60]

You got 2 of them Ernest !

Had 2 - sold the one I brought out from Ontario. Good project bike it was, spent more than I got for the bike, but a good experience bringing one back to life and the ride across Canada was priceless. Cheers