Currently Stranded on a Norton 850

Monjebricks · Dec 11, 2012

So I have some time to ask some questions about what could have went wrong in my ride today. I am stranded on a 1974 850 commando and I have no idea why. There's gas and it turns on very briefly up untill I want to put it in first to take off. Any ideas? It died while I was at a stop about ready to go. Thanks any reply would be appreciated. I'll be here for at least an hour waiting for help ;(

Monjebricks

ML · Dec 11, 2012

Sounds like its not getting enough fuel into the carbs, i.e. pull on the throttle and it runs dry - float levels too low, possibly a blocked jet? or a gummed up taps?

mike996 · Dec 11, 2012

Sure sounds like it's out of gas...one way or the other (if there's gas in the tank, it's not getting to the combustion chamber). When you tickle the carbs (if Amals) does fuel run out as normal? If not, did you try unscrewing the fuel line from the petcock and then opening the petcock to see if fuel is actually running out of the tank? Do you have an in-line fuel filter that could be clogged?

drones76 · Dec 11, 2012

ML said:
Sounds like its not getting enough fuel into the carbs, i.e. pull on the throttle and it runs dry - float levels too low, possibly a blocked jet? or a gummed up taps?

Can you put it up on the centerstand and run it in neutral for a couple minutes while giving it throttle? If so, it is getting gas. Try putting it in gear on the centerstand and see if it continues to run.

It doesn't sound like the tank cap is airlocked but if you try the above and it does not stay running, open the gas cap and try again.

Of course it sounds like a fuel problem which means it will most certainly wind up being an electrical issue. :twisted:

Good suggestion on the clogged fuel filter. Also switch to reserve to see if the main feed is blocked.

BillT · Dec 11, 2012

Yeah, I agree. Sounds like a fuel delivery issue if it starts but dies when you try to take off.
Do the carbs tickle easily?
Is the hose connecting manifold nipples on? I've had this vibrate loose and the bike would start but idle fast, and wouldn't take a load. Felt like a dolt when I saw the hose sitting loose on one nipple.
Do you have both taps on? If the main tap screen is clogged due to ethanol poisoning opening the reserve may get you home. If you've got the Emgo taps, the rubber sleeve around the valve in the tap may have swelled, reducing the flow to a dribble.
Can you remove the banjos and check the little filter screens?

1up3down · Dec 11, 2012

is it possible your battery is toast?

yeah I know it has enough juice to start it you say but especially if you have electronic boyer type ignition there may not be enough currernt to keep the plugs firing

does your head light stay on nice and bright when you turn the switch to that position and do not try start motor?

Hobot · Dec 11, 2012

Maybe someone like me dropped a rag in your tank or poured some water in. Also could be a bad electrical conductor, ok till a bit of vibes disconnects. I've had shorted tail light ground strap do this so don't just snoop around the obvious. Amal needles feel out of grooves, float filled up and sunk. Battery terminal loose so not juice enough at idle to run. Bad fuse mechanically but looks fine.

Monjebricks · Dec 11, 2012

Ok. So I found the issue. The battery was completely DEAD! I used my other nortons battery to check and it fired up second kick. I also tested the New battery on my other norton to see if it was maybe a short but that wasn't the case. I guess I will have to get a new battery. Problem solved!!fa
Gq

mike996 · Dec 11, 2012

Well there you go - as previously noted 95% of carb problems are electrical.

Glad you sorted it out. Have to admit that e-ignitions tend to complicate troubleshooting compared to points. NOT suggesting we all go back to points though I did toss the Boyer on my bike and went back to points for two years which were MUCH better in every way as far as operating was concerned. But I do suggest you consider TriSpark instead of the B. The TS IS better than points...Boyer? Definitely not IMO.

OldBalz · Dec 11, 2012

Congrats on isolating your problem to the battery....I would suggest testing the output of your charging system to insure that it's doing the job.

I also strongly agree with mike996 regarding the Tri-Spark ignition....I threw my Boyer in the trash, where it belongs, after I installed the T-Spark! :lol:

iceteanolemon · Dec 11, 2012

I think it's a rite of passage!

(Burned valve a few months ago... since fixed.)

Looks like your on to fixing it.

concours · Dec 11, 2012

iceteanolemon said:
I think it's a rite of passage!

(Burned valve a few months ago... since fixed.)

Looks like your on to fixing it.

.... I dunno, the joke I always heard was that H-D riders did their own roadside repairs with a cell phone and a Gold card. Brit riders still use wire, duct tape, jumper wires, vise grips, inner tube patch kit, etc. to fix em

iceteanolemon · Dec 11, 2012

concours said:
iceteanolemon said:

I think it's a rite of passage!

(Burned valve a few months ago... since fixed.)

Looks like your on to fixing it.

Click to expand...

.... I dunno, the joke I always heard was that H-D riders did their own roadside repairs with a cell phone and a Gold card. Brit riders still use wire, duct tape, jumper wires, vise grips, inner tube patch kit, etc. to fix em

Right, but is using a cell phone to order duct tape and tiewire acceptable?

Monjebricks · Dec 11, 2012

+1 it is acceptable. Haha

BillT · Dec 11, 2012

They also say 90% of Harleys are still on the road

the rest made it home!

J.A.W. · Dec 11, 2012

Yeah, vice-grips, that triggers a Norton roadside rescue memory.
Fuel stop, saw a Commando in difficulty - lost gear shift lever - I lent the rider a set of my vice grips, safely attached with cable ties.
They got him on his way & I received them back in the post..

trident sam · Dec 12, 2012

Monjebricks said:
Ok. So I found the issue. The battery was completely DEAD! I used my other nortons battery to check and it fired up second kick. I also tested the New battery on my other norton to see if it was maybe a short but that wasn't the case. I guess I will have to get a new battery. Problem solved!!fa
Gq

I had the exact same problem a couple of months ago on my old Commando, out on a ride it just died. Tried everything, then called recovery (on Chester race day outside the entrance , how I laughed ! )
Checked battery at home and completely knackered, but was fine until that day, and gave no symptoms of failing whatsoever.
New battery installed , all charging system checked and the bike is fine again.
sam

J.A.W. · Dec 12, 2012

Excuse my ignorance, & while I`ve never owned an electric start bike, I know cars like a good battery to power both starter & ignition, but why once it is running would a dud battery affect progress?
My magneto CDI bikes will run on regardless, even if it is wasteful to energise a dud battery by maxing generation output.

Matt Spencer · Dec 12, 2012

Carefull with the connection , and watch for stray sparks . We dont want this again .

J.A.W. · Dec 12, 2012

Dang, Matt,-did you do that? Must be more careful with your fag end & tinder box...or is it thunder box? L.O.L.

Currently Stranded on a Norton 850

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