bike starting problem

[simple simon]

Hi folks
After owning a fantastic 34l tenere in the past i now own a 1vj tenere (87).
For the last 6 months of use it has let me down many times.
I have replaced feul lines (old ones cracked) and fitted in line filters.
cleaned the fuel pump three times (many metal fileings and paint bits) because of badly replaced tank filler (sports bike type)
cleaned the carb a few times (checked jets and floats are ok).
removed petrol from system because of water contamanation (dodgy filler cap).
repaired inlet rubber cracks.
And given it filters and oil.
it ran fine for a couple of weeks and then refused to start.
checked for spark wich seemed ok, feul pumping into carb ok, feul bleeds out of float bowl ok.
put new spark plug in..........RUNNING PERFECT!.
A couple of weeks of happy use latter (today) and guess wot, bike wont start(only electric boot on this bike as 3aj motor).
checked things as normal (exept spark) nothing seems wrong. (idol screw 2 turns out).
Its a real pain in the arse as both fuel taps dont turn off either!. (where can i get them ?)
Any of you tenere gurus out there have suggestions before i admit defeat and take it to the bike mechanic ?.
Any good advise thankfully received as i love this bike.

[Mezo]

Could be a bad/dirty connection in one of the connectors, clean all of them & pack with dielectric grease.

Could be CDI failing, could be a weak coil/bad HT lead or cap, so many things it could be & you have to go through everything.

Mezo.

[simple simon]

Hmmmm ok mate thanks for your reply.......

[Mezo]

Its a real pain in the arse as both fuel taps dont turn off either!. (where can i get them ?)

You can repair your taps with this kit by the way (forgot to mention).

Mezo.

[ActionManMelb]

The battery has to be in good condition!!

Try connecting a car battery with extra wire leads. If it starts easily then buy a new battery.

Also have a look at the spark plug again, it may have become dirty with oil or poor fuel.

For the long term, think about adding a kick-start to to the bike. Very easy and not too expensive.

[et1310]

Hi mate, I've added a kick start to my 3AJ (without decompressor) what happens to mine is, the fuel drys in the vacume pump and its a real bitch to start. If i run out of gas and don't turn on my reserve in time I can actually run the battery dry just trying to start it. So now I kick it until it bangs once then start with the putton. Try bypassing the pump with the fuel line straight to the carb, you can do this on one side only it will suffice. Or best try jump leads, my sugestion use butterfly nuts to keep the saddle fixed so you can pull it off quickly without spanners.
Hope this helps

[itchywheels]

> If I leave my bike for any length of time or I run on to reserve and don't catch it in time [Same as ET1310] I disconnect the fuel pipe from the carb and point it down towards the ground till fuel comes out, stick it back on the carb sorted. Basically it needs bleeding.

[simple simon]

Thanks for the suggestions folks,
ive got a fairly new battery on it and some jump leads ive been useing. bypassed the pump once before when i had a problem and that got me home but in this case i can see the petrol being pumped out of the pump when removing tube to carb. the bike is only doing this when being left overnight. the fuel is a little low in the tank but as its pumping to carb i geuss its ok. i like the idea of butterflys on the seat mount and will fit a kick start at some point.
Going to inspect/clean spark plug and check for good spark tommorow and check electrical connections of coil , cdi and plug cap. may even put anouther 5 liters in the tank and maybe drain/inspect float bowl content again. trying to put some pics up of bike but still don,t seem to be able to. got photo bucket now but it dont give me the options that i see in mezo,s q & A post on it. or maybe im liveing up to the simple simon name.

[simple simon]

[imgi
mg]

Ok i sussed it now. So this is bike when i first go it, pretty much the same now but i put wider bars on it and slightly higher as it feels better when up on the pegs.
picked up a 3aj tank and mounts cheap from french e bay to cure water going in tank and i allways wanted a 3aj since seeing one in oz back in 1996. still need headlights
and mount and clocks (got a fairing) and a bit of bracket welding of course. but right now would just be happy to head up into the mountains for the weekend!.

[Mezo]

Have you checked the float needle valve filter is clean? if you know where this is & what im saying you have done it, if not ill explain a bit more Simon.

EDIT: Heres a pic.



Mezo.