Vicky16239
New Member
2009 K9; Starts but won't stay running. Idles for a few minutes then speedometer/tach blinks and motor shuts down. Any ideas?
Starts but won't stay running
- Thread starter Vicky16239
- Start date
Mikeinjersey
Well-Known Member
Make sure your battery is fully charged ( 12.8 vdc ). Also remove and clean all battery connections. Disconnect the negative side (-) first then the positive side (+). After cleaning replace the Positive side first and then the negative side. While the bike is running read the voltage on the battery , it should be approximately 13.8 to 14.2 but not more than 14.5. This will let you know that your VR is charging properly.
If your symptom doesn't get better have the battery load tested to be certain it's in good shape. All bets are off and anything can happen when a battery in poor condition is being used. The 12.8 vdc represents proper voltage but it does not mean the battery has good power (current).
Vicky16239
New Member
I just bought a new battery to make sure that wasn't it. It's carbureted.
Jersey Big Mike
100K mile club
Are you sure that you have good gas flow from tank to carb?
After you start it will it run longer/better if you twist the throttle?
Did the bike sit for a long time unused?
Have you cleaned or rebuilt the carb?
mleach72
Well-Known Member
The tach blinking is probably just from idling to low. It will blink if the idle falls below 900 rpm. On a cold start, it just may just be that it's not getting enough fuel to stay running. Try what Mike said and give it a little throttle until the engine warms up or open the enrichner a little bit. You are only about 3 hrs away. If it was warm, I would have no problem riding up there to look at it. Maybe next spring if you can't get it figured out by then. I go to the Hazen abate party every year, which isn't too far from you.
Vicky16239
New Member
mleach72
Well-Known Member
Seems like it's probably something simple, you just gotta figure out what it is. Here are a few things to check that have given people trouble. Try wiggling the ignition switch when it's running and see if it shuts off. A bad ignition switch is fairly common problem. Check the headlight plug. It is made out of plastic and has a habit of melting and shorting out. Also, make sure the contacts in the plug are snug when you plug the headlight in. My friend's bike was having similar problems and it was loose contacts in the headlight plug. You may want to drop the carburetor bowl and make sure it is clean. You may have dirt in the bowl that is clogging the intermediate jet.
Does not sound like a dirty carb Was ridden this summer, the old man had it out a few times, so you figure the gas is not that old, carbs need years to close off the jets if gas was left in the carb bowl.
The tell tail is the dash and instruments blinking before it dies. Sounds electrical. Battery needs to show 12.8v or more being static and sitting for however time has gone by with the new battery.
Then if it is going to run for enough time to see if the stator puts out to recharge the battery. Shows it charges, then key on, charger on battery, start moving wires and harness until you can see the dash show any movements of on and off.
Another guess is a crank sensor, but for the dash to show flicker, probably not it.
Or said unit is original and has problems for that year? May need a RIP or replacement unit, no joy as the wire movement?
The tell tail is the dash and instruments blinking before it dies. Sounds electrical. Battery needs to show 12.8v or more being static and sitting for however time has gone by with the new battery.
Then if it is going to run for enough time to see if the stator puts out to recharge the battery. Shows it charges, then key on, charger on battery, start moving wires and harness until you can see the dash show any movements of on and off.
Another guess is a crank sensor, but for the dash to show flicker, probably not it.
Or said unit is original and has problems for that year? May need a RIP or replacement unit, no joy as the wire movement?
Sven! Good to see you still lurking around. I do enjoy your insights and input whenever you drop in.
