What are the reasons for a motorcycle making noise but failing to start when using electric ignition?
3 Answers
The main reasons for a motorcycle making noise but failing to start when using electric ignition include carbon buildup on the spark plug; insufficient charge in the motorcycle battery; lack of fuel in the carburetor; and carburetor blockage. Excessive carbon buildup on the spark plug significantly reduces the success rate of ignition. It is necessary to clean the dirt and carbon deposits from the spark plug and wash it thoroughly with gasoline after cleaning. If the spark plug appears blackened or the spark is misaligned, it indicates damage and requires replacement. If the motorcycle battery is old and lacks charge, check whether the battery has any issues. If there are no problems, charging it should allow the motorcycle to start. If there are issues, the battery needs to be replaced. A lack of fuel in the carburetor can prevent the motorcycle from starting. First, check if the carburetor has any problems. If there are no issues, adding fuel promptly should solve the problem. If it is damaged, the carburetor needs to be replaced. Carburetor blockage after prolonged operation can lead to failure to start or increased fuel consumption. In such cases, the carburetor should be cleaned promptly.
When the electric start of the motorcycle clicks but fails to ignite, I've encountered this situation several times. The most common reason is a weak battery, where insufficient voltage causes the starter relay to repeatedly engage—the clicking sound you hear is it switching. It could also be that the starter motor's carbon brushes are worn flat or the bearings are seized, preventing the motor from turning and causing it to whine. Loose or severely oxidized battery terminals can also cause this, as the current can't pass through. Last time, my bike had a blown fuse in the starter circuit inside the fuse box, and replacing it with a new one for two dollars fixed the issue. If charging the battery doesn't help, you'll need to remove and inspect the starter motor, and also check if the main wiring harness has any exposed or short-circuited sections. If you're really stuck, you can push-start it, but remember to shift into second gear, pull the clutch, and once you've got some speed, release the clutch abruptly while giving it some throttle.
When starting, you only hear the whirring sound of the motor but the engine doesn't respond? It's most likely a slipping starter clutch. If the one-way clutch installed on the crankshaft has worn internal balls or weakened springs, the motor won't be able to turn the crankshaft no matter how much it spins. If you hear a metallic screeching sound during cold starts, it might be due to poor engagement between the starter gear and the ring gear—try adding some lubricating oil. A battery voltage below 12V usually can't power the motor; just check the voltage with a multimeter. Intermittent contact in the start button can also cause issues—if it takes pressing the button seven or eight times to start, pay attention. Oxidized wiring connectors, especially after car washes, can be troublesome; spray some rust remover on all the connections.
