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no spark after sitting for a 3-4 days

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by bdc00, Nov 3, 2009.

  1. bdc00

    bdc00 New Member

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    Here we go. My '81 550, dosn't have any spark if it sits unused for about 3-4 days. I will come out to start it and it turns over, but dosn't start. I have pulled the plugs to see if it sparks but there is none. Here is were it gets weird. I can come back a 2-3 hours later and it will fire right up. No problems. This is without putting a charger on the battery also.

    Is there a part in the starting sequence that is going bad and causing it to loose a charge and not provide a spark. Like I said this only happens if it sits for 3-4 days unsused and then it doesn't even do it every time it sits for that long.

    Any suggestions on where to start troubleshooting the problem? Thanks

    -chuck-
     
  2. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    side stand switch or any of those safety interlocks
     
  3. Robert

    Robert Active Member

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    I'm going to side with Polock, a switch is the most likely culprit. I'd pull your clutch switch and clean it out.
     
  4. JFStewart

    JFStewart Member

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    Just a word about testing switches. An analog meter is probably the best or a digital with graph function. When activating the switch with the ohmmeter attached press and release the switch VERY slowly, particularly when releasing the lever, button, or other actuator. The indication on the meter must be precise and clean. If you get a fluctuation of the needle or graph during operation, the switch is bad and will cause problems. A resistance of 1/2 ohm is enough to cause problems.
     
  5. Robert

    Robert Active Member

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    ^^^Agreed^^^. I own and use both. Highly recommend the analog units.
     
  6. bdc00

    bdc00 New Member

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    Thanks for all the help. I checked the switches and all was good. So I put the battery on the charger for a day since It was pretty drained from all the attemps at starting. After charging, it fired right up. Before I charged the battery it was sitting at just over 12v. After charging it was at around 14v. I thought with a 12v battery that 12v would be enough juice top rovide a spark at the plugs so it can run. I must have been mistaken.

    What should a good battery read to provide enough juice for the spark plugs to have a spark?
     

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