Recently bought an 05 s40 and it doesn't start. Originally it would just crank and try to start and even backfired a few times. now it just clicks and shuts off when I hit the starter button. I replaced the battery with a lithium one and installed a raptor petcock because the original was broken when I bought it. I tried to check the ground wire and was told it connected to the back of the engine casing but all I saw was a bolt there and no wire. Wondering if one of those safety switches could have went out also and caused this? Any ideas?

14 Ah and 260 CCA/CA. but even when the old battery was charged up I still couldn't get it to turn over start,  it would just crank and crank . Can I somehow bypass the safety stuff to rule them out?

Copy, thanks for the help. I'm TDY right now, but i'll start troubleshooting on Friday when I get back.

Serowbot wrote on 01/20/15 at 08:30:06:



Seems that the word "cranking" is being used interchangeably again, and causing some confusion.

If when you hit the starter button the starter turns the engine over.....that is "cranking".

If the engine cranks and then doesn't "start"....the starter is turning the engine over (cranking) - but there are other issues (ignition, compression, fuel) that will not allow the engine to start and run.

I am the Lithium Expert?  Boy are we in trouble!

I have been using a Lithium battery in my bike for 2 years.....without problems.  I have an Earth-X and they don't want you to charge or use a battery tender at all.  Lithium batteries can die instantly if they are overcharged or run flat.....even just one time.  If you have any doubts about your bike having a clock, GPS power supply or something that draws power when the bike is in long storage.....disconnect the battery cable when the bike does into long term storage.  My bike can sit for 3-4 months straight, and the battery just fires the bike right up when spring returns and I hit the starter button.  I bought my Lithium for the small size and weight....the long term storage is an added benefit.

For charging your Lithium....I would be very careful and do whatever the manufacturer suggests.  Be very careful with the amperage and length of time you charge it.

The positive battery terminal should go from the battery to the key....with a smaller wire going to the wiring harness and starter solenoid.  The negative battery terminal should be connected to the battery terminal and then the wire is grounded on the right side of the engine just above the oil sight window.

Dave

Shoot a little starting fluid in it.

Not sure on your level of mechanical skill so don't take this wrong...

Time to start checking the fuel flow.....

Try draining your carb.  put a hose funnel under your carb bowl and turn that screw counterclockwise to drain the bowl.

While the drain is open, turn your fuel tank valve to open, make sure there is good flow.

If there is good flow.... close them both up and rap on the side of the carb bowl with a screw driver handle (your float needle might be stuck).

If that doesn't work, pull the carb bowl and try to clean the tip of the float needle and seat.

Mmmkay, let's slow down...
Soon as you let off the throttle,it died..
It ran for a few seconds.


How old is the gas?

If you don't have a volt meter,get one. You can't do much without one,and a  
little battery charger. These little batteries don't appreciate having Big Amps shoved in them.
A cheap, Harbor Freight meter is good enough.

Do drain the carb bowl into a clear cup. Need to see how much is in there and what it looks like.

What is known.
You have spark and air and compression, all good so far..
Don't pull the plug, ever, without first cleaning out the cavity it sits in.

USAirman1993 wrote on 01/25/15 at 10:48:34:

To drop the bowl, no, but you may need to pry back the battery box to get a clear shot at it.  easy way is too take a ratchet tie down, hook it around the bat box and around the backside of the tire.