Starting when REALLY cold

gpzrocker · 11-22-2008

Maybe some people have no issues starting their old bike when it is really cold. Good for ya. I'm not so lucky. So my old bike mechanic showed me what to do a year or three ago, and it has worked, so you might want to try it.

After a night where it hit 17 and might have gotten up to 20-25 when it was time to ride, I unhooked the trickle, choked, set the vacuum operated petcock to prime, switch on, starter would just spin. After about 4 tries, I pulled the seat, lifted the tank, and stuffed a towel down in the airbox hole to REALLY make the mixture rich.

And it fired right off. Pulled the rag immediately, and I was good to go. Honestly was kind of hoped it wouldn't work, cause it was really cold to not have a real windshield (my fairing blows air right at my neck), but all in all it was a good time.

This happened before and after the amazing cleaning I had done on the carbs: actually on both sets, I have ran two sets in the last few years. And after a head rebuild this year. I think it is just an old bike thing, maybe just mine, but my mechanic jumped on that fix way to fast to have not tried it before.

Get in a jamb, try it. I'm sure someone will tell me a tech thing like " when it is that cold, the valves/rings are not sealing properly" or some such. Yep, a 24 year old bike w/ 36K+ miles, even with new valve seals, sometimes needs a little help.

And if it doesn't work, you could always realize that it is just too cold, and try to get your group to do a Christmas in July setup. When it is slightly warmer. Or take the car, and snicker at the joker whose knees are playing taps on the tank.

antiq · 11-23-2008

Yep old sometimes needs help to wake. Car truck or bike.

MBB · 11-23-2008

My 91 Kawi Zephyr has this problem,from 92 on they were fitted with carb heaters,I dont know how effective they are?

gpzrocker · 11-24-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBB

My 91 Kawi Zephyr has this problem,from 92 on they were fitted with carb heaters,I dont know how effective they are?

Now that is interesting: I wonder if my favorite parts source (ZR-7) has them....

antiq · 11-24-2008

You could always do what we did way back when on the cars. Put a trouble light near the engine and cover with a blanket to keep the heat in for an hour or so then start normally.

gpzrocker · 11-25-2008

Good call.

11-22-2008	#1 (permalink)
gpzrocker Clutch Cadet BTK Expert Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Western NC Posts: 351	Starting when REALLY cold Maybe some people have no issues starting their old bike when it is really cold. Good for ya. I'm not so lucky. So my old bike mechanic showed me what to do a year or three ago, and it has worked, so you might want to try it. After a night where it hit 17 and might have gotten up to 20-25 when it was time to ride, I unhooked the trickle, choked, set the vacuum operated petcock to prime, switch on, starter would just spin. After about 4 tries, I pulled the seat, lifted the tank, and stuffed a towel down in the airbox hole to REALLY make the mixture rich. And it fired right off. Pulled the rag immediately, and I was good to go. Honestly was kind of hoped it wouldn't work, cause it was really cold to not have a real windshield (my fairing blows air right at my neck), but all in all it was a good time. This happened before and after the amazing cleaning I had done on the carbs: actually on both sets, I have ran two sets in the last few years. And after a head rebuild this year. I think it is just an old bike thing, maybe just mine, but my mechanic jumped on that fix way to fast to have not tried it before. Get in a jamb, try it. I'm sure someone will tell me a tech thing like " when it is that cold, the valves/rings are not sealing properly" or some such. Yep, a 24 year old bike w/ 36K+ miles, even with new valve seals, sometimes needs a little help. And if it doesn't work, you could always realize that it is just too cold, and try to get your group to do a Christmas in July setup. When it is slightly warmer. Or take the car, and snicker at the joker whose knees are playing taps on the tank.

11-23-2008	#2 (permalink)
antiq Vintage bike addict BTK Expert Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: I live in eastern ohio Posts: 4,802	Yep old sometimes needs help to wake. Car truck or bike. __________________ 82 KZ750LTD, 84 Virago 700, 85 Vulcan 700.78 KZ750 twin,82 KZ650, 77 KZ650, 75 CB200T,Vince

11-24-2008	#5 (permalink)
antiq Vintage bike addict BTK Expert Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: I live in eastern ohio Posts: 4,802	You could always do what we did way back when on the cars. Put a trouble light near the engine and cover with a blanket to keep the heat in for an hour or so then start normally. __________________ 82 KZ750LTD, 84 Virago 700, 85 Vulcan 700.78 KZ750 twin,82 KZ650, 77 KZ650, 75 CB200T,Vince

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Why does my old bike have trouble starting in the cold?	Ninja Noob	Kawasaki Streetbikes/Sportbikes	12	11-19-2007 05:23 PM
ZX9R 2001 misfire when cold	Ninja900Ben	The Mechanics Corner	5	08-28-2007 03:23 PM
220 Bayou cold starting problem	lexluther	Kawasaki ATV and Mule	0	02-21-2006 09:20 PM
KVF 360 cold weather starting	mike360	Kawasaki ATV and Mule	4	10-18-2005 12:02 PM
Bike Not Starting	Taz	The Mechanics Corner	11	01-03-2005 06:33 AM

11-23-2008	#3 (permalink)
MBB Newbie Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 4	My 91 Kawi Zephyr has this problem,from 92 on they were fitted with carb heaters,I dont know how effective they are?

11-25-2008	#6 (permalink)
gpzrocker Clutch Cadet BTK Expert Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Western NC Posts: 351	Good call.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)