Hi all, my ST is garaged, over winter I start it monthly to keep all fluids moving etc. Came to start it recently turns over but doesn't fire up. Every time I have done this previously before attempting to start her the battery condition light on the dash has always been green. Now however when turning on the ignition it goes straight to red even before attempting to start her. The battery is good there are no blown fuses that I have found. Electrical problem ?? Can anyone shed some light please. TIA.
ST1100 starting problem.
- Thread starter marsbar
- Start date
Welcome! ...Do you hear the fuel pump run as you switch on?
Firstly, welcome from Northumberland, England.
If the fuel pump is switching it could be a dirty on/off run switch. Rock it on and off a few times.
How long has the fuel been in and is it E10, if so it goes off quickly in certain conditions.
Plus if needed, remove a plug and check for a spark.
Good luck or bon chance mon ami.
Upt.
If the fuel pump is switching it could be a dirty on/off run switch. Rock it on and off a few times.
How long has the fuel been in and is it E10, if so it goes off quickly in certain conditions.
Plus if needed, remove a plug and check for a spark.
Good luck or bon chance mon ami.
Upt.
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
Battery condition light? Are you talking about the neutral light? Or is that something in Euro ST1100s?
Voltage across the terminals of the battery? (Should be 12+ before starting efforts).
Gas in the fuel filter?
Pull a plug and ground it and turn try to start the engine to see if you are getting fire.
Thanks Roger, yes I hear the fuel pump.
Cheers Upt. Fuel is good, On/off run switch ? Ignition switch or kill switch ? Haven't tried the plug spark as yet but thanks my friend.
Thanks Uncle Phil, No not the neutral light. It appears to be a battery condition light. Showing green when good prior to starting going red then once started back to green again as the alternator charges the battery ( maybe a Euro st thing) Voltage is 13.3 . Will check the others over the next few days thank. I still believe its maybe an electrical problem though.
The kill switch.
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
Batteries can 'appear' to be good but have a dead cell in them and not provide enough cranking amps.
Does it spin over pretty well or sluggishly?
Does it spin over pretty well or sluggishly?
If the battery light is red how do you know the battery is good? Are you giving it any throttle? Starting cold and not running it to a normal temperature range could cause carbon build up on the plugs or a flooded condition. A wide open throttle may help it start as long as it's cranking normally. Also short running periods in cold weather doesn't fully recharge the battery.
Spins very well until I run the battery down.The battery is under two years old and holds its charge well
Is fuel being delivered? Has the vacuum valve packed up? Disconnect and bypass it to prove.......
Thanks, the battery even with a booster did not fire it up. I am giving it throttle and letting it run to its normal running temp so that the fan clicks in and all systems run. Battery been off and trickle charged.
Cheers Roger, will try both of those over next few days.
Pull a plug make sure it's not soaked with gas, If it is it's flooded. You can check if the carbs have fuel by unscrewing the bowl drain .If it's dry you need to check fuel pressure. Hearing the pump run doesn't mean you have correct pressure
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
On all of my ST1100s the charging voltage measured across the battery terminals when running is about 14.2.
kiltman
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Sometimes all it takes is a fresh set of plugs. Even if you have spark from the old ones. I have experienced what you have described twice, once on my 1990, the second on my 97. Fresh plugs, three cranks and it purrs like a Pfaff sewing machine. 
The voltage quoted is static. I will let you know what it is once I get it running
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
If you've got 13+ and it turns over, do you smell gas?
It sounds like it might be firing but getting no fuel.
Although you would have to remove the air cleaner over (which means removing the side panels and gas tank cover) you could some starter fluid into the carbs and see if it tries to fire. That would give you an idea if it is fire or fuel.
Or as I said, plug a plug and ground it and see if you get spark when it turns over.
It sounds like it might be firing but getting no fuel.
Although you would have to remove the air cleaner over (which means removing the side panels and gas tank cover) you could some starter fluid into the carbs and see if it tries to fire. That would give you an idea if it is fire or fuel.
Or as I said, plug a plug and ground it and see if you get spark when it turns over.
Cheers Kiltman, have new plugs on order. Old set removed and a little sooty so you never know. ThanksSometimes all it takes is a fresh set of plugs. Even if you have spark from the old ones. I have experienced what you have described twice, once on my 1990, the second on my 97. Fresh plugs, three cranks and it purrs like a Pfaff sewing machine.