89 CB-1 will not start

[Sephi]

All,

I'm mid way through a renovation on an 1989 Jap spec CB-1. I have previously ridden it and know that the engine works well.

However at this moment, it no longer starts. When pressing the starter button it used to click (The sound emanated from around the 30A fuse, I assume the distributor)  but wouldn't turn over, now you get nothing :-(

There is no rear wheel on the bike at the moment nor are there any breaks, can anyone suggest why this would no longer start?

[CB1rocket]

Check the battery is fully charged first, also check the connnections to the starter relay where the 30A fuse is (not distributor!) It should click. If its clicking, the check the wiring to the starter motor. Check the starter motor turns by connecting directly to 12v to see if its actually working.

Sorry its a bit short for info as its my birthday! Keep us updated   

[MintyFRESH]

Wishing you a very merry very Happy Birthday. Congratulations on surviving another year.

[Sephi]

It is no longer clikcing, I'll take some pics at the weekend (It is mid project so partially dismantled)

[a_morti]

Second time - your battery is flat. Since it is now 100% flat, it is probably also toast.

Don't know your ability level (assuming newbie) so will go into quick explanation. Use a multimeter (buy one if you don't have one, it's a very good investment, digital is massively more useful) to check the battery. Ideally it will have about 12.8 volt DC with everything switched off, if less than 12v you won't get a start. If when you press the starter it drops under 10v, you won't get a start.

Before trashing it, it is actually possible to revive a sealed battery by taking the top off and filling with distilled water. While it has worked for me, I can't guarantee this method. But it's cheaper than a new battery and worth a go.

[91cb-1]

Before trashing it, it is actually possible to revive a sealed battery by taking the top off and filling with distilled water. While it has worked for me, I can't guarantee this method. But it's cheaper than a new battery and worth a go.

Whilst this works really well for acid run batteries if you're running a gel or fiber glass battery you don't have a hope of restoring it, the batteries i pulled out of mine once when stuck on a back road and needed a battery were both gel whilst this means they last longer and have less chance of breakin or runnin out of charge on you it also means if your fucked your fucked!

[Sephi]

Cheers, I'll take another look at the battery then (It has been disconnected for a while) plus It has been cold (for england anyway) haha


Cheers for your help

[Sephi]

Cheers for your help guys, the battery has been changed for a new (and fully charged) one. The starter motor now sounds but the engine won't catch (It's probably because it is very cold and hasn't been started for a while)

I'll keep you posted though! (Might want to put the back wheel on when I start it...)

[Sephi]

Right so it has now warmed up and the bike still won't start. The battery is new and is giving 12.6v when the ignition is turned on. I can hear the motor trying in vain to start when hitting the start button.

Could it be the plugs? or does the bike check for certain things before starting up? (Front caliper is on, but the master cylinder is not, the rear brake is totally off, sprocket cover is on but not bolted in)

Any ideas?

[91cb-1]

Well worth checkin the plugs if they are old and have been left lying up for a while it's worht getting a new set anyway. worth checkin also that you're gettin steady fuel flow.

[Sephi]

Hurrah, the engine has started!! It appears to get very hot though 

The fan on the radiator doesn't come on at all (The temp gauge doesn't register any heat in the engine)

The coolant hoses coming into and out of the radiator are very hot, is this normal? (The bike hasn't moved yet, it has just been started)

[psubrock]

Check the fuse for the fan. Mine died while I was riding it on a hot day I had to turn the bike off at red lights until I got home.

[Chris4564]

Hurrah, the engine has started!! It appears to get very hot though 

The fan on the radiator doesn't come on at all (The temp gauge doesn't register any heat in the engine)

The coolant hoses coming into and out of the radiator are very hot, is this normal? (The bike hasn't moved yet, it has just been started)

The temp sender (for the guage) and fan switch are two seperate devices if neither is working you could be very low on coolant though fuse would be my first call followed by something jaming the fan.

[Sephi]

The coolant is unlikely to be low, as it's been recently replaced and filled to the top, there's plenty in the coolant reservoir.
I'll check the fuses, what's the best method of shorting the fan?

[Daveontheedge]

Check the fuse for the fan. Mine died while I was riding it on a hot day I had to turn the bike off at red lights until I got home.

There must be a separate fuse for the gauge. My fan motor fuse just went, but my gauge still worked.

The coolant is unlikely to be low, as it's been recently replaced and filled to the top, there's plenty in the coolant reservoir.
I'll check the fuses, what's the best method of shorting the fan?

On the left side of the rad there is a small connector, unplug it and jump it to ground. If the fan comes on then it is the fan switch, if it does not come on then it could be the fan motor. Before you panic about the fan motor...take a multimeter and connect it in series from the plug to ground and measure if there is voltage. No voltage means a blown fuse or a broken wire somewhere.