buell s1 lightning '97 Manuel
1-36
TROUBLESHOOTING
GENERAL
The following check list can be helpful in locating most
operating troubles. Refer to the appropriate sections in this
Service Manual for detailed procedures.
operating troubles. Refer to the appropriate sections in this
Service Manual for detailed procedures.
ENGINE
Starter Motor Does Not Operate or Does
Not Turn Engine Over
Not Turn Engine Over
1.
Engine stop switch in OFF position.
2.
Ignition key switch not ON.
3.
Discharged battery or loose or corroded connections.
(Solenoid chatters.)
(Solenoid chatters.)
4.
Starter control relay or solenoid not functioning.
5.
Electric starter shaft pinion gear not engaging or over-
running clutch slipping.
running clutch slipping.
Engine Turns Over But Does Not Start
1.
Fuel tank empty.
2.
Fuel supply valve turned OFF.
3.
Fuel supply valve or filter clogged.
4.
Discharged battery, loose or broken battery terminal
connections.
connections.
5.
Fouled spark plugs.
6.
Loose or shorting spark plug cables or connections.
7.
Ignition timing badly out of adjustment.
8.
Loose wire connection at coil or battery connection or
plug between ignition sensor and module.
plug between ignition sensor and module.
9.
Ignition coil not functioning.
10. Ignition module not functioning.
11. Ignition sensor not functioning.
12. Sticking or damaged valve or valves.
13. Engine flooded with gasoline as a result of overchoking.
14. Engine oil too heavy (winter operation).
Starts Hard
1.
Spark plugs in bad condition, have improper gap or are
partially fouled.
partially fouled.
2.
Spark plug cables in bad condition and shorting.
3.
Battery nearly discharged.
4.
Loose wire connection at one of the battery terminals, at
coil or at plug between ignition sensor and module.
coil or at plug between ignition sensor and module.
5.
Carburetor controls not adjusted correctly.
6.
Ignition coil not functioning.
7.
Engine oil too heavy (winter operation).
8.
Ignition not timed properly. See dealer.
9.
Vapor vent valve plugged or carburetor fuel line closed
off restricting fuel flow.
off restricting fuel flow.
10. Water or dirt in fuel system and carburetor.
11. Enrichener valve inoperative.
12. Air leak at intake manifold.
13. Valves sticking.
Starts But Runs Irregularly or Misses
1.
Spark plugs in bad condition or partially fouled.
2.
Spark plug cables in bad condition and shorting.
3.
Spark plug gap too close or too wide.
4.
Ignition coil not functioning.
5.
Ignition module not functioning.
6.
Ignition sensor not functioning.
7.
Battery nearly discharged.
8.
Damaged wire or loose connection at battery terminals
or coil.
or coil.
9.
Intermittent short circuit due to damaged wire insulation.
10. Water or dirt in fuel system and carburetor or filter.
11. Fuel tank filler cap vent plugged or carburetor float bowl
vent closed off.
12. Carburetor controls improperly adjusted.
13. Air leak at intake manifold or air filter.
14. Damaged intake or exhaust valve.
15. Weak or broken valve springs.
16. Incorrect valve timing.
Spark Plug Fouls Repeatedly
1.
Incorrect spark plug.
2.
Piston rings badly worn or broken.
3.
Fuel mixture too rich for conditions (see CARBURETOR
TROUBLESHOOTING).
TROUBLESHOOTING).
4.
Valve stem seals worn or damaged.
5.
Valve guides badly worn.
Pre-Ignition or Detonation
(Knocks or Pings)
(Knocks or Pings)
1.
Excessive carbon deposit on piston head or combustion
chamber.
chamber.
2.
Incorrect heat range spark plug.
3.
Spark plugs not firing.
4.
Ignition timing advanced.
5.
Fuel octane rating too low.
6.
Intake manifold vacuum leak.
Overheating
1.
Insufficient oil supply or oil not circulating.
2.
Leaking valves.
3.
Heavy carbon deposit.
4.
Ignition timing retarded.
Valve Train Noise
1.
Hydraulic lifter not functioning properly.
2.
Bent push rod.
3.
Cam, cam gears or cam bushings worn.
4.
Rocker arm binding on shaft.
5.
Valve sticking in guide.