FJ 1200 89 model

[FJ nut]

I have a 1989 FJ 1200 which i recently purchased. It is very hard to start when hot. Starts first time when cold or if you pull the choke right out it will start when hot. If you try to start normally when hot it is as if the battery is flat and wont kick it over.

[andyb]

That's a good question.

Not sure if it's ever happened to an FJ before.

I especially like the poll options.

Maybe you should search, just in case someone's had this problem before!

[weymouth399]

FJ nut
Sounds like your carbs are a little dirty/gumed up. It's like your pilot jets are slightly plugged.
Thats why it starts with choke, even hot. My 86 or 89 only needs half choke even cold.
where are you located? any questions please ask.
Bob W

[the fan]

well... after that warm welcome...

As weymouth399 said its most likely dirty carbs causing the problem. pay attention to the pilot jet and mixture circuit when cleaning. It could also be an issue with valve clearance. the valves tend to tighten up over time and can cause hot start issues as well. There are quite a few friendly folks around here that can help you through both processes. Both are relatively easy to fix with time and patience.

Good Luck and welcome.

Bill

[Dan Filetti]

That's a good question.

Not sure if it's ever happened to an FJ before.

I especially like the poll options.

Maybe you should search, just in case someone's had this problem before!

[Dan Filetti]

He said: "If you try to start normally when hot it is as if the battery is flat and wont kick it over." 

That does not sound like carbs to me.  It sounds like Battery, Connections/ Starter weakness (need of a rebuild?).

You may want to try a new battery, also, crack the throttle an 1/8th of a turn when starting when hot. Seems to help.

Dan

[rktmanfj]

That's a good question.

Not sure if it's ever happened to an FJ before.

I especially like the poll options.

Maybe you should search, just in case someone's had this problem before!

I reckon Andy's out of coffee again...      

Randy T
Indy

[Scooterbob]

He said: "If you try to start normally when hot it is as if the battery is flat and wont kick it over." 

That does not sound like carbs to me.  It sounds like Battery, Connections/ Starter weakness (need of a rebuild?).

You may want to try a new battery, also, crack the throttle an 1/8th of a turn when starting when hot. Seems to help.

Dan

I'm with ya on that one Dan.  It sounds EXACTLY like what mine was doing, until I found some dirty cable connections. 

[weymouth399]

  He also said, that it will start cold with choke or hot with choke. It shouldn't do that, even with a with a low or dead battery. Carbs need work, and poss a complete tuneup. like Andy said
No engine should start hot needing the choke.....
Bob W

[andyb]

Probably just needs about 10 years worth of maintenance done, really.  Carbs are probably full of crap, battery connections likely need attention, plugs are likely a bit old, all the fluids haven't been touched in awhile, starter needs cleaned and fresh grease, etc.  At least, that's my guess, that's how these things usually go.

[Travis398]

 

Probably just needs about 10 years worth of maintenance done, really.  Carbs are probably full of crap, battery connections likely need attention, plugs are likely a bit old, all the fluids haven't been touched in awhile, starter needs cleaned and fresh grease, etc.

sounds like Andy hit all the nails on the head.

I voted help on the poll, hope that helps 

[SlowOldGuy]

He also said, that it will start cold with choke or hot with choke. It shouldn't do that, even with a with a low or dead battery.No engine should start hot needing the choke.....
Bob W

Opening up the choke is a lot like cracking the throttle.  It opens up a nice air channel which bypasses the throttle plate.  This would provide the same effect as slightly cracking the throttle when cranking.  Obviously it would run rich if hot, but I'll bet once it's started then he can turn the choke off and all is well until the next hot start cycle.

I'm with Dan; Sounds like a starter cleaning or weak main power/ground connection.

Although clean carbs never hurt anything.  :-)
DavidR.

[FJ nut]

Thanks guys for the tips. Im in Newcastle NSW Australia. I have cleaned the battery terminals and replaced the battery and this made no difference to the starting problem. I have checked the valve clearances and all are within the required range so it must be the carbies. Once started the bike runs fine until you have to start it again hot. Once the choke is pulled out it whirls over no problem at all. I will pull off the carbies and give them a good clean. Can you give me some tips on what i need to do to the starter motor for maintenance. Thanks FJ Nut

[andyb]

A lil more info might be useful, honestly.  Does it turn over slowly at all when hot (which is super common), or does it crank normally?  If it spins fine, then the starter can probably be left alone unless you're feeling froggy.  It's like two bolts and a wire to remove, not difficult.  Take it apart, clean all of the dust and filth and nastiness out of it, regrease the bearings, stick it back together and carry on.

There's about four connections between the battery and the starter, checking that they're all clean and not corroded isn't going to hurt (assuming it's not cranking over fast enough) either.  Battery - solenoid - starter, and make sure the grounds are decent as well, battery - motor.

If it spins but doesn't catch when hot, that's much more likely to be a fueling problem (dirty carbs, wrong jets, etc).  There's a chance that there's something breaking down electrically also, but if it was so much so that it doesn't start hot, I'd think it wouldn't run for a crap when hot either, like if a coil was getting a little borderline or something when hot.

Edit:  I'll mention that if you don't have a shop manual and intend on doing much work to the bike, they're priceless. 

[oldktmdude]

 Does it push-start easily (without the choke) when it's hot? If it does, it sounds like the problem is in the starter or associated wiring.                                         
                                                                                                                                                                                     Regards  Pete.