The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: Red_Hen on October 17, 2013, 07:13:34 AM

Title: R65LS Conked Out
Post by: Red_Hen on October 17, 2013, 07:13:34 AM
Hi Gang,

I guess this will be a spring project - I started up my R65LS yesterday to run in some Stabil fuel conditioner.  About 1/2 way point around the block with the 1/2 choke, she completely died - I'd say the temp was in the 40's Farenheit.  

I couldn't get her to start again - luckily I was able to push her through the neighbors yard into the storage shed behind my house.

Initial thought - ignition cannister - hall sensor - also read on snowbums site that the hall sensor can get touchy in colder temps.

Anyone have an experience like this?  I do notice my idle sticking after a longer ride, so I know the cannister is due for an inspection & cleaning.
Title: Re: R65LS Conked Out
Post by: montmil on October 17, 2013, 08:17:48 AM
Ken, You may want to 'start' your "non-starter" investigation by going back to the last thing you did... adding the Stabil to the fuel. Was the additive well mixed with the gasoline before opening the petcock and start up or just poured in?

So, pull the float bowls and check for fuel, debris, or perhaps the Stabil went right through the petcock and into the carbs.

Hall sensors can have temperature issues but it's usually heat induced. After cooling, they're working again. Doubt that's your issue but checking for spark is an easy job.

Also, high idle rpm after a lengthy ride can be the occasional sticky advance weights or an idle air mixture issue. I'd go with a tweak of the mixture screws when the engine is well warmed.

Go back to the shed and find out why it's not starting for you. It will be something of an "Ah, Ha" deal.
Title: Re: R65LS Conked Out
Post by: Luca on October 17, 2013, 08:59:24 AM
Quote
It will be something of an "Ah, Ha" deal.

Many a time I've taken off from home with my fuel tap still closed.
Title: Re: R65LS Conked Out
Post by: Bob_Roller on October 17, 2013, 09:02:04 AM
When it quit, did it give you any warning like misfire, stumbling ??

Or did it stop like you turned the key or kill switch off ?
Title: Re: R65LS Conked Out
Post by: georgesgiralt on October 17, 2013, 09:08:09 AM
Easiest check :
Remove one spark plug, put it back into it's cap and in firm contact to the head and try to start the bike.
Do you have sparks ? Yes, so it is carburettor/mixture/fuel  related. No, then the culprit lies in the ignition area (bean can/kill switch wiring/coil/ICU)

Of course, check that the plug is not carbon black and in a short due to the carbon deposit.
Title: Re: R65LS Conked Out
Post by: Red_Hen on October 18, 2013, 06:03:05 PM
Quote
When it quit, did it give you any warning like misfire, stumbling ??

Or did it stop like you turned the key or kill switch off ?

Thanks for your replies - like I said, it was cold outside and I added the Stabil - just an ounce to @ 2 gallons - I'm sure gas was in the fuel bowls because I emptied them out before tucking her to sleep for the winter - and removed the battery.

I was riding with @ 1/2 choke and it just stumbled & died - not like turning off the switch - it's happened before - could have been I left the choke on too long.  

It's in storage now so I'll just have to get to it in about 6 months - the joys of living in the upper Midwest  :'(