Starting a Hottie

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 1:52 pm

I need a little troubleshooting assistance please. I intend to take Buddy to the dealer but wish to be armed with info in case the response is "that's normal" or "we couldn't get it do anything" or some such response.

Ok, here's what's happening.

When cold Buddy starts up immediately.

Once it has been ridden for 30 minutes or an hour at speed and then shut down it seems to drag on restart. I have left it for as long as an hour and when I hit the start button it goes "THUNK", stops for a second and then turns over and starts. It sounds as if the starter is engaging but won't turn over.

Once it sets for an extended period like overnight, it again starts immediately with no problem.

Battery was replaced by the dealer under warranty at 6 months.

Odometer is about 2300 miles.

Still under warranty.

I like to run WOT for a long time.

Any ideas? Maybe the dreaded stator?

Thanks,
Dennis

KRUSTYburger · Post by **KRUSTYburger** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 2:24 pm

Dennis, even though you recently changed your battery, that's probably what it is. This heat will kill them. I had the same problem though, when you ride it a bit and shut it off, if you try to start it again after a couple minutes it will struggle. If you park it in a shady spot and wait a little while, it will probably work fine. ...or you can just kick start it, that's what I do.

Portland_Rider · Post by **Portland_Rider** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 2:32 pm

Sorry DennisD that I can't contribute with insight, I have not (yet) encountered this problem as I have only 1,200 miles on my scoot and this will be my first fall/winter riding it.

iwabj · Post by **iwabj** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 2:37 pm

Lostmycage · Post by **Lostmycage** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 3:18 pm

Have them check the CDI. It's not a common failure, but when it's starting to go, it acts very similar to what you've described. It has to do with the solder points becoming a little loose when they're heated up.

Also, check to see that the valves are in spec. If they're off a little bit, the added compression (when warm) combined with a weakened battery (are you running a stock headlight or 55/60w lamp?) could cause a stutter when starting; out of spec valves can also cause low idle cut outs, reduced fuel economy and other "weird" symptoms.

As always, post any updates for future riders' reference!

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 3:53 pm

Haven't replaced any 'bubs'.
Deadlights are working, but this symptom was before that.
Idles fine.
Gas mileage is killer.
Valves are quiet. (Parts changer evaluation, not real mechanic.)

Thanks for the input, sympathy and workarounds.

I'll post updates.

jetboy · Post by **jetboy** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 4:18 pm

You probably should check the valve clearances, just to be sure. The intake valve seems to be the one to tighten up as time goes by. So it could be a contributor. I don't think its going to be noisy, because (as I understand) noise=loose=too much clearance. Since it starts up when cool, the battery doesn't seem to be the culprit. I'm leaning toward stator.

Do you have to stay on the gas once it does start? Does it idle without giving it gas?

- jetboy

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 4:41 pm

Iwabj - Now that I think about it, the bus I drive for the boy scouts did the same thing. It ended up needing a new alternator. The Buddy isn't a bus, but they both start with the same letter and don't want to start when hot. Hmmm.

Jetboy - It idles fine when started. No problem at all with the idle, hot or cold.

Krusty - Yeah, the kickstart works fine, but I want to find out if this is a weakness in the buddy that is going to be there whatever I do or if its fixable. My usual fixes have not worked which are turn up the music louder and/or run the crap out of it. Those two fixes have been eliminated.