Just can't get it started!

If you need technical information or help with your bevel drive Ducati single cylinder engine - post your FAQs, comments & questions here.
Post Reply
droy
Cucciolo - the Lil Pup
Posts: 21
Joined: Wed Nov 26, 2008 7:43 pm
Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Just can't get it started!

Post by droy »

Been riding my 1970 450 Scrambler for a couple of months now, after getting major repairs. Last Saturday it started on the first kick, as it usually does, went to ride it the next day and nothing! Been trying to get it started all week. I replaced the plug, checked the gas, charged the battery, checked for spark, been taking the plug out and kicking it over in case it's flooded. Everything seems to be fine, just won't start! I get nothing! Not a nibble!

Any suggestions? What else can I do?

Thanks,
David
droy
Cucciolo - the Lil Pup
Posts: 21
Joined: Wed Nov 26, 2008 7:43 pm
Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Re: Just can't get it started!

Post by droy »

Well, I guess Saturday must be my day. It started first kick! Strange.
droy
Cucciolo - the Lil Pup
Posts: 21
Joined: Wed Nov 26, 2008 7:43 pm
Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Re: Just can't get it started!

Post by droy »

Well, started out promising this morning, back to having problems starting it again. DAMN! Don't remember my first Scrambler being so temperamental. They seem to flood easily. Any suggestions?

Thanks
bobnorton
860 GT / GTS
Posts: 279
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2008 2:18 am
Location: bromley kent

Re: Just can't get it started!

Post by bobnorton »

Should not flood (drip fuel) unless tickler used. Check that first, But my suspicion is poor ignition, duff plug,weak spark,points,check spark in the dark for blue color.
User avatar
Craig in France
Paso 906
Posts: 972
Joined: Tue Mar 23, 2004 3:58 pm
Location: Montpellier, France

Re: Just can't get it started!

Post by Craig in France »

droy wrote:They seem to flood easily.
Err, no, not more than any other ;) . But you need to help us out a bit here ...

First off: What's your starting procedure?

Secondly: What carb are you running?

And, if it's the standard VHB 29:
When was the last time you checked the float height?
droy
Cucciolo - the Lil Pup
Posts: 21
Joined: Wed Nov 26, 2008 7:43 pm
Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Re: Just can't get it started!

Post by droy »

Bob:
I think the ignition is fine. I charged the battery overnight, but in a new plug, and it has spark.

Craig:
My starting procedure is, as you suggested in a post before:
1. Using the kick start, bring the engine up to compression.
2. Pull in the decompression lever and, still using the kick start, gently ease the piston over compression.
3. Turn on the ignition.
4. If it's cold, put the choke on full.
5. Hold compression lever in
6. Push down on kick start
7. Let go of compression lever before kick bottoms out.
8. When bike is started let out choke.

The carb. is a Dellorto VHB 29A. I've never checked the float height. How do I do that?

Thanks,
David
bobnorton
860 GT / GTS
Posts: 279
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2008 2:18 am
Location: bromley kent

Re: Just can't get it started!

Post by bobnorton »

My 250 needs to be dripping fuel to start, When i have not had a choke fitted and no tickler i used to lay the bike over to flood the carb, When it won't start what does the plug look like?,wet or dry?.
User avatar
Craig in France
Paso 906
Posts: 972
Joined: Tue Mar 23, 2004 3:58 pm
Location: Montpellier, France

Re: Just can't get it started!

Post by Craig in France »

Agh! DON'T hold in the compression lever at stage 5 :tisk:. No wonder the poor thing finds it hard to start!

Eliminate stage 5 (and 7) and see how it goes ... :-D

(We can get back to checking the float height if you're still struggling after that ;) ...)
Post Reply

Return to “Single Cylinder Bevel Drive Engines > 250, 350 & 450”