if it was completley block yes it would but a bit of dirt isn’t really gonna do much but make it run rich .. it sounds like you may not have a mechanical problem and maybe a electrical problem.. maybe your immobiliser or alarm settings have gone funny.. thats if you have these
Comment by sk3tchy5ubz — September 25, 2009 @ 2:20 am
YES. It also wont take long to flood either with hardly any air getting in. I am surprised you have not done this already… checking compressions and plugs etc is harder than checking the filter!! would have done that first. Try starting it with the air filter removed.
Also have you checked fuel is getting to the plugs or just presuming they are sparking because you put an old plug on the HT lead? Are the plugs wet with fuel? Could be a fault with a tank stop tap have you removed the carb feed pipe and actually seen fuel pouring out? If not, drain the tank and remove the stop tap, there is usually a fine mesh filter that could be blocked stopping the fuel getting to the carbs and then the plugs. Cheers
But, check all the wiring. I mean all cables/wires—not if they are connected–but for damage–keep in mind, wiring can be damaged under the protective plastic/rubber housing. You have everything else working correctly–I would definitely change air/oil filters and go from top to bottom inspecting wiring.
To answer your main question on dirty air-filters……..A dirty (clogged) air filter will shut down any vehicle and create other expensive motor damage.
It could prevent the engine from firing but the filter would have to be filthy. A way you can test it is to remove the filter from the intake and try to start it, if it starts there’s your problem (just don’t drive it w/out a filter)
When you say the fuel pump is working fine, have you actually had it pressure tested? Just because you can see gas squirting out the line doesn’t mean that it is at appropriate pressure. A drop of 5% in fuel pressure would be enough to stop the bike firing up, and a drop that little is something that you would never be able to spot with your eyes.
Not usually. I’d check the timing first. An engine needs fuel, spark, compression, and air to run. The timing of that spark has to be spot on for it to actually function. Good luck.
IF YOU THINK IT’S THE AIR FILTER JUST TAKE IT OUT AND TRY TO START IT.
Comment by modelplus2000 — September 25, 2009 @ 2:20 am
Yes, but I would not expect the filter on a street bike to get that dirty.
Comment by Buster Brown — September 25, 2009 @ 2:20 am
i doubt it unless you were going offroad. sounds like you got bigger problems, i would put a new air filter in, even if thats not the problem when you do finally get it running that will increase performance
I seriously doubt it, especially on a street bike.
Comment by ddrum — September 25, 2009 @ 2:20 am
yep
Comment by ken k — September 25, 2009 @ 2:20 am
if it was completley block yes it would but a bit of dirt isn’t really gonna do much but make it run rich .. it sounds like you may not have a mechanical problem and maybe a electrical problem.. maybe your immobiliser or alarm settings have gone funny.. thats if you have these
Comment by sk3tchy5ubz — September 25, 2009 @ 2:20 am
YES. It also wont take long to flood either with hardly any air getting in. I am surprised you have not done this already… checking compressions and plugs etc is harder than checking the filter!! would have done that first. Try starting it with the air filter removed.
Also have you checked fuel is getting to the plugs or just presuming they are sparking because you put an old plug on the HT lead? Are the plugs wet with fuel? Could be a fault with a tank stop tap have you removed the carb feed pipe and actually seen fuel pouring out? If not, drain the tank and remove the stop tap, there is usually a fine mesh filter that could be blocked stopping the fuel getting to the carbs and then the plugs. Cheers
Comment by Rod A — September 25, 2009 @ 2:20 am
Yes sir it would. You only need fuel, air, and spark to start it. Take away any of those three and it just sits there making you scratch your head.
Comment by aaron b — September 25, 2009 @ 2:20 am
Absolutely.
But, check all the wiring. I mean all cables/wires—not if they are connected–but for damage–keep in mind, wiring can be damaged under the protective plastic/rubber housing. You have everything else working correctly–I would definitely change air/oil filters and go from top to bottom inspecting wiring.
To answer your main question on dirty air-filters……..A dirty (clogged) air filter will shut down any vehicle and create other expensive motor damage.
Comment by Sway — September 25, 2009 @ 2:20 am
It could prevent the engine from firing but the filter would have to be filthy. A way you can test it is to remove the filter from the intake and try to start it, if it starts there’s your problem (just don’t drive it w/out a filter)
When you say the fuel pump is working fine, have you actually had it pressure tested? Just because you can see gas squirting out the line doesn’t mean that it is at appropriate pressure. A drop of 5% in fuel pressure would be enough to stop the bike firing up, and a drop that little is something that you would never be able to spot with your eyes.
Hope this helps
Comment by J — September 25, 2009 @ 2:20 am
Not usually. I’d check the timing first. An engine needs fuel, spark, compression, and air to run. The timing of that spark has to be spot on for it to actually function. Good luck.
Comment by dale b — September 25, 2009 @ 2:20 am
IF YOU THINK IT’S THE AIR FILTER JUST TAKE IT OUT AND TRY TO START IT.
Comment by modelplus2000 — September 25, 2009 @ 2:20 am
Yes, but I would not expect the filter on a street bike to get that dirty.
Comment by Buster Brown — September 25, 2009 @ 2:20 am
i doubt it unless you were going offroad. sounds like you got bigger problems, i would put a new air filter in, even if thats not the problem when you do finally get it running that will increase performance
Comment by Ed — September 25, 2009 @ 2:20 am