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Starting/Idle issues

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2018 3:14 pm
by CFS
I finally got the 380 started after a long lay off.
The first time it stated after various attempts, it idled a little high and smoked a fair amount. After warming the motor and adjusting the idle it idled pretty smoothly on all cylinders and reved quite well still smoking more than usual.
The bike was stored whilst cosmetic works continued and re-started two days later. It started at the 3 kick and again idled and smoked as mentioned above.
Again the bike was stored whilst further cosmetic works were undertaken and re-started 3 to 4 days later. Again it started up without too much of a struggle but only fired up on the left cylinder and died. It was started up again and as before only fired up on the left cylinder, but this time I played with the throttle and managed to keep the motor running. After a minute or so the right cylinder fired up followed by the centre cylinder a minute or so later. Again it smoked more than normal.
The bike runs on a Newtronic electronic ignition, K&N pod filters has new plugs and the carbs were cleaned and set.
I have read up in this forum on the SRIS valves, and when back home, will inspect and clean them. I assume sticky/non working valves to be the culprit for the excessive smoke - any comments?
Can anyone advise on what may have been the cause for it to start as mentioned above and a possible solution/further inverstigation requirements.

As Ii work away from home on only return periodically a response from me to possible solutions/further information required may take some time.

Thanks
Carlos

Re: Starting/Idle issues

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2018 3:26 pm
by sportston
Drain the crankcases and see if any oil comes out. There is a drain bolt beneath each crank chamber.

Re: Starting/Idle issues

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2018 5:54 pm
by Alan H
Get on it and ride it for a hundred kilometers. If you keep starting it and letting it idle for a long time it WILL smoke a lot.

Re: Starting/Idle issues

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2018 6:36 pm
by ConnerVT
^ This

1. The fuel:oil ratio at idle needs to be significantly less than at WOT. Yes, the oil pump has a lever that helps do this, but the ratio will always be for too much oil at idle. These motors need to be run at least mid-RPM, and fully warmed, to really start to clear things out.

2. The oil check valves, even in the best, new condition, still allow for oil to leak by over time. This oil ends up in the bottom of the cylinder/crankcase. Again, these motors need to be run at least mid-RPM, and fully warmed, to really start to clear things out.

Re: Starting/Idle issues

Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2018 8:09 am
by CFS
Thanks to all for your valued input.
I will take it out on the road when back home and report back. I know that the oil pump lever is set as per the manual but will check and clean out the valves as well.
All the replies relate to the excessive smoking and I assume that this is not the cause for the erratic starting that I experienced. Any ideas as to what may have/is causing it?

Re: Starting/Idle issues

Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2018 8:59 am
by Alan H
Residual oil in the cases.
It's all the same issue and needs a good run to clear it out.