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General Category => Yamaha FJ1100 / FJ1200 Running Problems => Topic started by: JohnW on January 23, 2011, 11:48:42 PM

Title: Engine starts and runs fine but......
Post by: JohnW on January 23, 2011, 11:48:42 PM
The engine on my 87 FJ cranks and starts without the clutch being pulled in if the transmission is in gear (it's not supposed to do this) and will stay running in gear if the kick stand is put down (it's not supposed to do this either).
Also, the fuel tap solenoid doesn't do anything when I switch to reserve even though the solenoid itself works when I put voltage to it. The switch itself checks out OK too. 
Title: Re: Engine starts and runs fine but......
Post by: andyb on January 24, 2011, 07:36:32 AM
Sounds like someone bypassed the clutch and sidestand switches, most likely.  You'll have to start tracing to see why.
Title: Re: Engine starts and runs fine but......
Post by: Dan Filetti on January 24, 2011, 09:43:33 AM
This by-passed safety feature saved my ass.  Here's how: 

So I was loading the FJ onto the back of my pickup truck.  I had two ramps made from 2X10X8 that I had screwed together to make a 20" wide ramp, 8' long.  I parked the pickup facing down hill to aid as much as I could, loading the bike into the bed of the truck.  Ramps in place, I started the FJ, and without letting it warm up, began to ride the FJ up the ramps and into the back of the truck.  Just as the front wheel crested the ramps and into the back of the truck, I managed to stall the bike.  To make matters worse the ramps had slipped back a bit from the edge of the tailgate, and were threatening to come off.  I was stuck. 

Going back down did not seem like a safe option, the ramps all of the sudden, seemed too narrow.  The ramps were also not wide enough to get off and push, and although I probably could have re-started the FJ, the folly of not letting it warm-up was now obvious to me.  Thinking I needed to do something, I tried to start it anyway, but in my nervousness, I neglected to pull in the clutch.  The starter motor engaged and began inching the bike up the ramp the remainder of the way.  To my great relief, without starting the bike, the starter managed to get me up the rest of the way in a slow, controlled manner, without having to use the raucousness of a cold motor to finish the delicate job.  The ramps were ~ .5" from the edge of the gate and nearly came off.  Had I used the cold motor to finish the job, I think they would have pushed off the remaining bit.  Net net, the whole thing could have been MUCH worse, and I was glad it went the way it did.

In my case, it was good to have the safety feature not working at that time.  Funny thing is, I had always used the clutch to start it, and did not realize that it was even 'broken' until that moment...   

Dan
Title: Re: Engine starts and runs fine but......
Post by: rktmanfj on January 24, 2011, 09:58:33 AM
Quote from: Dan Filetti on January 24, 2011, 09:43:33 AM
This by-passed safety feature saved my ass.  Here's how: 

So I was loading the FJ onto the back of my pickup truck.  I had two ramps made from 2X10X8 that I had screwed together to make a 20" wide ramp, 8' long.  I parked the pickup facing down hill to aid as much as I could, loading the bike into the bed of the truck.  Ramps in place, I started the FJ, and without letting it warm up, began to ride the FJ up the ramps and into the back of the truck.  Just as the front wheel crested the ramps and into the back of the truck, I managed to stall the bike.  To make matters worse the ramps had slipped back a bit from the edge of the tailgate, and were threatening to come off.  I was stuck. 

Going back down did not seem like a safe option, the ramps all of the sudden, seemed too narrow.  The ramps were also not wide enough to get off and push, and although I probably could have re-started the FJ, the folly of not letting it warm-up was now obvious to me.  Thinking I needed to do something, I tried to start it anyway, but in my nervousness, I neglected to pull in the clutch.  The starter motor engaged and began inching the bike up the ramp the remainder of the way.  To my great relief, without starting the bike, the starter managed to get me up the rest of the way in a slow, controlled manner, without having to use the raucousness of a cold motor to finish the delicate job.  The ramps were ~ .5" from the edge of the gate and nearly came off.  Had I used the cold motor to finish the job, I think they would have pushed off the remaining bit.  Net net, the whole thing could have been MUCH worse, and I was glad it went the way it did.

In my case, it was good to have the safety feature not working at that time.  Funny thing is, I had always used the clutch to start it, and did not realize that it was even 'broken' until that moment...   

Dan



Of course, 2 2x10s don't really make a 20" ramp...     :nea:

Randy T
Indy
Title: Re: Engine starts and runs fine but......
Post by: JohnW on January 24, 2011, 10:01:46 AM
Quote from: JohnW on January 23, 2011, 11:48:42 PM
The engine on my 87 FJ cranks and starts without the clutch being pulled in if the transmission is in gear (it's not supposed to do this) and will stay running in gear if the kick stand is put down (it's not supposed to do this either).
Also, the fuel tap solenoid doesn't do anything when I switch to reserve even though the solenoid itself works when I put voltage to it. The switch itself checks out OK too. 

I've had the bike since 1989. No one has ever worked on the bike but me and I didn't by-pass the safety features, they simply quit working. As did the fuel solenoid. 
Title: Re: Engine starts and runs fine but......
Post by: Dan Filetti on January 24, 2011, 10:39:01 AM
Quote from: rktmanfj on January 24, 2011, 09:58:33 AM
Of course, 2 2x10s don't really make a 20" ramp...     :nea:

Randy T
Indy

Yeah, right. That's actually 19"....

Dan
Title: Re: Engine starts and runs fine but......
Post by: andyb on January 24, 2011, 11:36:52 AM
Well, then something isn't working right, and you're going to have to start tracing to find the issue anyhow.  Start at the switches and see if they function, and work your way up.  Isn't really hard, just need some common sense, a mild electrical background, and a decent meter.
Title: Re: Engine starts and runs fine but......
Post by: Marsh White on January 24, 2011, 11:56:49 AM
Depends on if you are using finished or rough-cut lumber.  Rough-cut is actually the dimensions specified - the grain would give better traction too...
Title: Re: Engine starts and runs fine but......
Post by: simi_ed on January 24, 2011, 12:52:52 PM
I was thinking ... "Lucky Dan", but then I remembered the FJ BBQ.  I guess those 2x10s just extended the FJs lifeline a bit longer.   :drinks:
Title: Re: Engine starts and runs fine but......
Post by: ddlewis on January 24, 2011, 03:10:01 PM
Quote from: Dan Filetti on January 24, 2011, 09:43:33 AM
This by-passed safety feature saved my ass.  Here's how: 
...
In my case, it was good to have the safety feature not working at that time.  Funny thing is, I had always used the clutch to start it, and did not realize that it was even 'broken' until that moment...   

Dan

In the 90's I had an XS11 and can't remember but either it did not have the kickstand safety or it was disabled..  Always put in neutral before I turn it off.  when starting it usually press the button while standing next to it.  Every once in a while I would park on a hill and leave it in gear or accidentally not put in neutral and press the button and it would take off and I'd have to make a saving grab lunge for it.. then look around to see if anybody was looking.  :) 

Bike never hit the ground but there were close calls.  My helmet when boucing off across the parking lot several times though. 
Title: Re: Engine starts and runs fine but......
Post by: SkyFive on January 24, 2011, 03:25:04 PM
Not to hijack the discussion but, Dan your story reminded me of this video;

Motorcycle Loading Fail (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NA8q7UbcFEc#)
Title: Re: Engine starts and runs fine but......
Post by: craigo on January 24, 2011, 03:34:49 PM
Ouch!!! 
Title: Re: Engine starts and runs fine but......
Post by: Dan Filetti on January 24, 2011, 03:57:11 PM
Quote from: simi_ed on January 24, 2011, 12:52:52 PM
I was thinking ... "Lucky Dan", but then I remembered the FJ BBQ.  I guess those 2x10s just extended the FJs lifeline a bit longer.   :drinks:

And me without my marshmellos...
Title: Re: Engine starts and runs fine but......
Post by: gp1 on January 25, 2011, 01:54:25 PM
hi johnw
i would say your control diode in the diode block for the clutch and side stand has failed,
as the fuel solenoid is also powered up via the side stand relay to the relay unit then to the the solenoid.
i had the same problem on my bike where the clutch safety was no working and would start in gear.

hopes this helps
gp1
Title: Re: Engine starts and runs fine but......
Post by: carsick on January 25, 2011, 03:28:17 PM
Quote from: SkyFive on January 24, 2011, 03:25:04 PM
Not to hijack the discussion but, Dan your story reminded me of this video;

Motorcycle Loading Fail (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NA8q7UbcFEc#)
Ouch indeed. Those moving trucks have a label inside to specifically prohibit motor vehicles or anything with fuel. See, he didn't read the intructions. I noticed that sticker after loading an MG and an ultralight plane in a Penske truck. Too bad a few bystanders couldn't help push, eh? Always trouble when a camera is rolling.
Title: Re: Engine starts and runs fine but......
Post by: mikeholzer on January 26, 2011, 05:32:04 AM
Quote
...Too bad a few bystanders couldn't help push, eh? Always trouble when a camera is rolling.

That's what I was thinking. My friends would have gladly helped me push my bike up a loading ramp. Not counting the camera operator I counted 12 people lurking about, watching this fool attempt to launch his bike into a U-Haul. Five of them were right alongside the loading ramp. Help a brother out!

Potato-potato-potato-potato-potato-potato....

Title: Re: Engine starts and runs fine but......
Post by: andyb on January 26, 2011, 08:12:23 AM
Anyone bright enough to try to ride that big thing up a ramp like that... I'd stand and watch too!    :rofl:
Title: Re: Engine starts and runs fine but......
Post by: JohnW on January 26, 2011, 10:45:46 AM
Quote from: gp1 on January 25, 2011, 01:54:25 PM
hi johnw
i would say your control diode in the diode block for the clutch and side stand has failed,
as the fuel solenoid is also powered up via the side stand relay to the relay unit then to the the solenoid.
i had the same problem on my bike where the clutch safety was no working and would start in gear.

hopes this helps
gp1
I checked the diode block and it's ok, but it sounds like the side stand relay could be the problem. That would be ok because it's available and not too expensive.
Title: Re: Engine starts and runs fine but......
Post by: Kopfjaeger on February 08, 2011, 01:02:16 AM
just curious... have had previous bikes that did all sorts of funky stuff...( mainly not work).. due to the wires to the side stand sensor connections rotting away....if this is the problem with your bike john w id be interested to see if anyone else has had issues with the side stand sensor.... fore warned is fore armed and we could all use four arms...never have had a problem with forgetting clutch when starting like yourself dan... mines forgetting to pull the clutch in when i need to brake in a hurry... did it about a month ago... ended up stopped at the beggining of a roundabout with the rear wheel in the left lane and the front in the right!! makes a few good banging sounds let me tell you!!! i ... ummm..  remeber these days... or i try to... one of them two.... :good: