Decompression cable

[hammersfan]

Can anyone tell me what a decompression cable is please?

[Grizz1]

This should explain it. 2-8

[KROW]

[quote=Grizz1;460221]This should explain it.

Grizz, which service manual is that from?

[Grizz1]

I believe its from the VL1500 manual. It should be the same for the C90.

[hammersfan]

Wow , that's a great link . I'm a bit disappointed because one of the reasons I bought a C90 was what I thought it was low maintenance but that seems a bit complicated for me !

[Grizz1]

What type of problem are you having?

[hammersfan]

Originally Posted by Grizz1

What type of problem are you having?

No problem, its just that the manual says it has to be checked at certain intervals but I'm hoping it is something that can be left alone as long as the bike is running okay. What do you think? One of the main reasons I bought the C90 is because I don't want to have to take it into the shop every 12000km or so for valve adjustments etc.

[Grizz1]

I would not worry about it. You will need to check it when and if it won't start someday. You do the Suzuki shuffle and you will get it started then you can check the decomp cable.

This link will help you more. Decomp Valve Adjustment

[hammersfan]

Cheers Grizz

[Elvis]

Originally Posted by hammersfan

Can anyone tell me what a decompression cable is please?

I'm not sure if this question is answered in the manual but a decompression lever is used during starting an internal combustion engine. When the piston is in the compression stroke, both intake and exhaust valves are kept closed. During the start up, decompression lever holds the exhaust valves open so that the engine can be cranked up easily and started. Once the engine is started and gets up to speed, decompression lever is deactivated.

[hammersfan]

Originally Posted by Grizz1

I would not worry about it. You will need to check it when and if it won't start someday. You do the Suzuki shuffle and you will get it started then you can check the decomp cable.

This link will help you more. Decomp Valve Adjustment

Okay , you've got me there, what is the Suzuki shuffle ?

[frostbitevinnie]

I'm glad this subject came up. The last three days my bike has been difficult to start and I have narrowed it down to the decomp. valve. Just gotta adjust it now.

[Grizz1]

Originally Posted by hammersfan

Okay , you've got me there, what is the Suzuki shuffle ?

LOL Ah the suzuki shuffle...You put your left hand in you take your left hand out....no thats not it!

Bike won't start you suspect a decomp problem, begin the shuffle. Put bike in second gear roll it backwards ( forwards works also you might have to do it several times) then try and start it. By rolling back in gear it will eventually release the compression that is keeping the starter from doing its job. Letting the bike sit for awhile will also relieve compression so it starts.

[stp1971]

Go to Mocc's Place and the site has a good write up on adjusting the de-comp cable.

FWIW -- if the bike won't start after riding it then it could be a battery that is being discharged. If it won't start periodically when it is cold and will when you do the "LC" shuffle then it is the rear de-comp cam that needs cable adjustment. If it won't start at all when it is cold barring you don't have a bad battery then the front de-comp cam is out of adjustment.

[stp1971]

Well I did the Decomp cable adjustment tonight. Not so bad. The worse part about it is de-skinning the LC. Once you get the fake tank panels and the Jug toppers off you just sit there and turn two nuts till you get it right.

Things I learned. Two people would have been better. One person to slightly adjust the cable nuts and the other to watch the rear cam position. Another thing I learned was that after every single turn of the adjuster nuts pull the front cams tab open to take the slack out of the rear cam. Then check to see if it has cleared the rear cam tab stopper.

Once you barely clear the rear tab stopper then back it off slightly till it barely touches it and then tighten the nuts back down.

Bike fired right up everytime. So hopefully this is the cure for my weak starts.

[hammersfan]

Originally Posted by Grizz1

LOL Ah the suzuki shuffle...You put your left hand in you take your left hand out....no thats not it!

Bike won't start you suspect a decomp problem, begin the shuffle. Put bike in second gear roll it backwards ( forwards works also you might have to do it several times) then try and start it. By rolling back in gear it will eventually release the compression that is keeping the starter from doing its job. Letting the bike sit for awhile will also relieve compression so it starts.

That would explain why , years ago when i had a Honda Ascot FT500 ( a single) it would sometimes fail to start but if I would attempt to bump start it , it would then start with the electric starter. I never knew why but just that it worked. Now I know why , thanks!

[Grizz1]