85 shadow 700 problems - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

rebelshadow · 11-05-2007, 06:18 PM

hi all, i just got an '85 shadow700 today for $250 and i might be starting to find out why.....or i might be paranoid. the starter works but it just wont catch. anyone have a similar experience? tips? need more info? lemme know. thanks.

themeatmanlandry · 11-06-2007, 09:00 AM

After checking to make sure that the starter is properly positioned and installed tightly, you need to have a look at the starter gear and flywheel. Check for missing teeth.

rebelshadow · 11-06-2007, 09:27 AM

sorry if i misspoke, the starter is fine the crankshaft is turning and plugs are firing but it won't runi know i need a new airfilter but the old one isn't causing any blockages so i'm thinking it must be a fuel issue. any ideas better than pulling the petcock and carbs?

omegajim · 11-06-2007, 01:34 PM

I think it's the old "gas sat in the carbs too long" syndrome.

If you are handy, or know someone who is, you can spray a small amount of ether down the carb throat. If you crank and it pops, it's a fuel problem.

Remember, very small amount of ether. About a 1 second spritz.

Aussie Steve · 11-06-2007, 05:49 PM

As Jim says + check for spark at all plugs. If plugs r wet ignition prob. If dry fuel prob.

omegajim · 11-06-2007, 10:49 PM

but if you don't spray some ether down the carb throat, how could you possibly burn off your eyebrows?

Yes, ether is quite dangerous. Like gasoline but more so.

rebelshadow · 11-07-2007, 09:01 AM

ok thanks, i'm actually in the middle of a carb rebuild on an 82 rebel so i'm getting my practice in.

omegajim · 11-07-2007, 01:13 PM

You may luck out, it may not take a rebuild.

You might only need to remove the float bowls and spritz in some carb cleaner and that may fix it.

Which, if you are good, might even be done with the carbs on the bike. Oh rats, this is a v-4, no you can't.

11-05-2007, 06:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
rebelshadow Newbie Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 3	85 shadow 700 problems hi all, i just got an '85 shadow700 today for $250 and i might be starting to find out why.....or i might be paranoid. the starter works but it just wont catch. anyone have a similar experience? tips? need more info? lemme know. thanks.

11-06-2007, 09:00 AM	#2 (permalink)
themeatmanlandry Happy-ass Lunatic Joined: Dec 2003 Bike: 2002 Bandit 600S (Black); 2006 GSXR750 (Black) Location: Memphis Posts: 11,423	After checking to make sure that the starter is properly positioned and installed tightly, you need to have a look at the starter gear and flywheel. Check for missing teeth. __________________ Go to hell

11-06-2007, 01:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
omegajim M-J.Com Lifetime Achievement Award Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850 Location: Washington County, WI Posts: 6,526	I think it's the old "gas sat in the carbs too long" syndrome. If you are handy, or know someone who is, you can spray a small amount of ether down the carb throat. If you crank and it pops, it's a fuel problem. Remember, very small amount of ether. About a 1 second spritz. __________________ "FREE TIBET!"* With purchase of one Tibet of equal or greater value.

11-06-2007, 05:49 PM	#5 (permalink)
Aussie Steve U.B's LoveChild Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 02 1200 Bandit Location: Western Australia Posts: 1,125	As Jim says + check for spark at all plugs. If plugs r wet ignition prob. If dry fuel prob. __________________ Just remember you ARE entitled to my opinion!!!!

11-06-2007, 10:49 PM	#6 (permalink)
omegajim M-J.Com Lifetime Achievement Award Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850 Location: Washington County, WI Posts: 6,526	but if you don't spray some ether down the carb throat, how could you possibly burn off your eyebrows? Yes, ether is quite dangerous. Like gasoline but more so. __________________ "FREE TIBET!"* With purchase of one Tibet of equal or greater value.

11-06-2007, 09:27 AM	#3 (permalink)
rebelshadow Newbie Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 3	sorry if i misspoke, the starter is fine the crankshaft is turning and plugs are firing but it won't runi know i need a new airfilter but the old one isn't causing any blockages so i'm thinking it must be a fuel issue. any ideas better than pulling the petcock and carbs?

11-07-2007, 09:01 AM	#7 (permalink)
rebelshadow Newbie Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 3	ok thanks, i'm actually in the middle of a carb rebuild on an 82 rebel so i'm getting my practice in.

11-07-2007, 01:13 PM	#8 (permalink)
omegajim M-J.Com Lifetime Achievement Award Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850 Location: Washington County, WI Posts: 6,526	You may luck out, it may not take a rebuild. You might only need to remove the float bowls and spritz in some carb cleaner and that may fix it. Which, if you are good, might even be done with the carbs on the bike. Oh rats, this is a v-4, no you can't. __________________ "FREE TIBET!"* With purchase of one Tibet of equal or greater value.

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