starting prob

the bike started and ran 5 days ago but now it wont start. did crank fine and would back fire. i tried to jump it with one of those portable jumpers after the bat went low. but after waiting 5 mins it cranked slow even with jumper on it. the soleniod doesn't pass juice most of the time but has gotten worse to the point it now the noid clicks but the starter doesnt turn till the noid gets tapped. and when it turns over it slower than should be even with jumper.
questions:
1: why no start but back fires?
2: did i kill the starter or is the slow crank the noid? i didn't cross poles on noid. i'm worried about getting shocked no matter how little damage it can do to me.( been shocked before with other things i.e. 120 volts and 12 volts before and didn't like it.

 

Quick and dirty opinion...

1. Flooding

2. You have killed your battery to the point where there is not enough juice to actuate the solenoid.

 

the plugs spark twice as often as they need to (normal) the one thats not needed is when the exhaust valve is open
sometimes this is when a rich mixture fires or backfires
your selinoid most likely is toast, you can cross the terminals with a screwdriver to see if the starter is still ok, i don't think you can get shocked on 12 volts
never crank for more than 3 to 5 seconds at a time then let the gas vaporize for 10 to 15 seconds before you hit it again
make sure the "choke" plungers are lifting up when you put the choke on
use a trickle charger to keep the battery fully charged

 

so Polock are you saying i need to replace the plugs? if so what the gap and what is the ones i should get.
the plunger with choke on they all lift. i did let it crank for more than five seconds alot more.

 

Try to push start it... I know it sounds crazy but 9 times out of ten when I cant get a bike or our 3 wheeler to crank just push start it and it usually get's going pretty quick.

 

If you get backfiring - one way to go is to pull the plugs and dry them off with compressed air or a rag - gap them and put them back in. Make sure your battery is fully charged (probably need a new one at this point).

When you bridge the solenoid terminals with the screwdriver - expect to see sparks. You can get a zap from 12volts but it is unlikely and less severe than 120V so still be careful.

 

ngk/ BP7ES or champion/ W22EP at .028 -.031
put a little "never seize" on the threads, and start them a few turns with your fingers
if you should try crossing the selinoid, go across the nuts so you don't mess up the threads, should it need replaced
12 volts is really very safe, unless you have a pacemaker or touch it on your tongue

 

Yes - definitely - don't lick the solenoid!

 

well all seems to be good. i replaced the plugs and put a different solenoid. the bat was to dead to start. but pushed started and vroooom right up. after running for 20 mins. it starts with starter. we'll see when it warms up outside if it will start with starter. i think i'll get a new bat anyways though. maybe check he stator brushes sometime. but don't know if that is needed to be done.

 

Don't forget that the XJ-Inline Four Engine is a notoriously HARD "Cold-Starter".

Not that the temperatures are below 40-Degrees ... all that Aluminum and Steel get pretty chilled and tend to like to stay that way and not start.

If you find that Opening the Enrichment Valves and Cranking it on a well charged-up battery doesn't get you going ... you might have some problems with getting Fuel up to the Combustion Chambers by having clogged Starter Jet issues.