Vulcan Drifter Riders

DISCUSSIONS => Drifter 800 Only => Topic started by: jamey wright on January 09, 2013, 18:11:12 PM

Title: (SOLVED)engine fires right up, but dies when starter button released
Post by: jamey wright on January 09, 2013, 18:11:12 PM
All of a sudden, the last time I went to start my engine, it would fire right up but died as soon as I released the starter button. Any Ideas?
Title: Re: (SOLVED)engine fires right up, but dies when starter button released
Post by: jamey wright on January 14, 2013, 12:56:31 PM
Anybody have any idea what could cause this?  Help!
Title: Re: (SOLVED)engine fires right up, but dies when starter button released
Post by: CDNRatMan on January 14, 2013, 13:16:19 PM
 has it been sitting long?
Title: Re: (SOLVED)engine fires right up, but dies when starter button released
Post by: jamey wright on January 14, 2013, 18:09:26 PM
been starting it up and letting it run for a few minutes every week since the accident just to keep the carb clean. Has fuel stableizer in a full tank, and is on a battery tender.
Title: Re: (SOLVED)engine fires right up, but dies when starter button released
Post by: Troll on January 14, 2013, 19:11:42 PM
    Try putting the fuel tap in the pri position. How many times did it do this?
Title: Re: (SOLVED)engine fires right up, but dies when starter button released
Post by: jamey wright on January 14, 2013, 19:33:33 PM
five or six times till I gave up. It has spark and fuel when the starter is pressed, but when releasing the starter button, it's like it has no spark at that point.
Title: Re: (SOLVED)engine fires right up, but dies when starter button released
Post by: CDNRatMan on January 15, 2013, 17:23:39 PM
  I have looked and read a bunch of stuff and one thing I am seeing is to check the battery out an make sure it is working properly. I'll keep looking.....

  ok if the battery checks out to be good then, check the starter relay, and if that checks out,

it would seem to be a short in the electrical system, and you should start at the right side handle bar.

hope this helps....
Title: Re: (SOLVED)engine fires right up, but dies when starter button released
Post by: Troll on January 15, 2013, 17:48:14 PM
There ya go...I wish I had an 800 manual. I almost had an 800 classic for free, but it turned out to be stolen...  :o
Title: Re: (SOLVED)engine fires right up, but dies when starter button released
Post by: jamey wright on January 15, 2013, 21:48:12 PM
Thanks guys, I'll give all that a try.
Title: Re: (SOLVED)engine fires right up, but dies when starter button released
Post by: Drift1 on January 18, 2013, 16:46:31 PM
Jamey,did a little asking around about your issue with your drifter and heres what i recieved.

1)If.....the headlights cut offf while the starter is running,this might be an electrical problem,as in,the battery is weak and when the headlights cut back in the voltage goes way down.A battery recharge might be in order...or replaced..as welll as some other baterry/charging test.

2)It's usually an electical problem in the harnesson older bikes,turn the handle bars it will run-turn back at dies.The start button provides power to the coils and fuel pump until the alternator is putting out juice.You'll need a shop manual/schematics and vom to trace power through the system and check componets.

If you can provide me with the year and a list of mods and can pass this on and hopefully help you with your problem.
Title: Re: (SOLVED)engine fires right up, but dies when starter button released
Post by: jamey wright on January 18, 2013, 18:34:41 PM
I think I may have found the problem. Took the battery to have it checked, and found that even though it has 12 volts, it has zero amps! how is this possible? Will get new battery, and go from there.
Title: Re: (SOLVED)engine fires right up, but dies when starter button released
Post by: Drift1 on January 18, 2013, 18:43:16 PM
ahhh,that sounds to me as if you've found your problem,hopefully.Wish you the best and hope this is a simple fix to your problem.
Title: Re: (SOLVED)engine fires right up, but dies when starter button released
Post by: jamey wright on January 25, 2013, 17:20:17 PM
that solved the problem [ new battery ], funny because it wouldn't even run when I jump started it, and the big charger on vehicle start [200 amps] would fire the starter  but not keep it running.
Title: Re: (SOLVED)engine fires right up, but dies when starter button released
Post by: Drift1 on January 25, 2013, 19:20:23 PM
Jamey glad you found your problem.That's definately a great feeling! ;)
Title: Re: (SOLVED)engine fires right up, but dies when starter button released
Post by: CDNRatMan on January 25, 2013, 20:53:29 PM
  glad it worked out and now we all know and learned
Title: Re: (SOLVED)engine fires right up, but dies when starter button released
Post by: Gerhardberger on March 01, 2013, 05:08:51 AM
congrats