Warm starting problem

[akula]

Just a quick question about my 2002 fzs600s with 8k miles. I've never had a problem with starting. Always fired first time on the button as a new battery was put in a month ago. However after being out on her for 30mins and stopped for 20mins and when trying to start her again she turned over but took a while to fire. That night she was harder to start again turning over for 1-2mins but she fired. At this point the fuel light had just came on so I filled her with fuel and she seemed to fire up fine again on the button. Another couple of cold starts later and she fired again fine but since another warm start she took 2-3 goes to get her to fire.

I had been thinking it was a fuel issue, possibly a bit of dirt in the tank as after she was filled she appears to be ok bar the 1 dodgy warm start.
Am I on the right lines or does this point towards another issue? I only bought the bike a couple of months ago. She was mint but I believe still has the original plugs.

Any opinions greatly received....cheers in advance!

[Dave48]

Maybe dodgy fuel. If the spark plugs have been in since new might be worth changing them-the colour of the originals may give you a clue -if sooty black too rich-check air filter. You say bike starts from cold ok so a rich mixture when engine warm could cause difficult starting. Just steadily working through the fuel system from tank( tap/breather pipe/fuel filter/hoses) to carbs. Also check the float bowls-there is a drain screw-you may have collected sediment or water over time. Its probably something simple.Let us know how you get on

[red98]

any service history with the bike,might just need a basic service 

[akula]

Hi guys. I'm still having the problem. The best way I can describe it is temperamental. Sometimes starts on the button even cold with no choke, then other times won't start immediately after being run. It does always start eventually though and runs great.
I changed the oil and filters to K&N and the battery is new. Took the plugs out yesterday and had a look. They were a bit dark but not too bad. They've only done 8k miles but thinking of changinging them.


Apart from that I'm at a total loss of what the issue is 

[akula]

Update to my issue...

Since I last posted I haven't had the bike out much but I thought the issue had cured itself. It was starting first touch of the button every time when cold. I was even going into the garage on days I wasn't using her to start her and she would fire up sweet as anything.

Today however the quandary returned. Jumped on her...cold...started first time. Off I went approx 2 miles where I stopped to use a cash machine. Jumped back on, she ticked over but didn't fire. Took a few goes but eventually she started. Off I went again where I had to stop again after another mile. Same thing happened. After I got her started this time I was on her for about another 8 miles (all running fine) stopped and this time it took 15mins to get going. It's really getting to me this! I have a big trip planned at the end of the month a really need to diagnose this issue.

Tonight I took the tank off and the filters look fine.

I am useless at mechanics and new to bikes but trying to learn but I have noticed something which may or may not be something....whenever I turn the ignition on from cold I usually get the clicking sound which I am assuming is the fuel pump sourcing petrol and she starts fine. When she is warm I seldom hear that clicking noise. Would this be that the pump is not sourcing petrol and therefore why she is stubborn to start when warm??

Guys all ideas very welcome. I'm panicking as I need this sorted for my big trip to Ireland's Bike Fest in a few weeks.

Cheers

Chris

[limax2]

The fuel pump clicking you describe is as it should be.
When it has been stood for more than a few hours some of the petrol in the flout bowls evaporates away, so on a cold start the fuel pump clicks away to fill the up. When warm it has only been stood for a short time so not much topping up is required and very little or no clicking is heard.
Hence I don't think that is the problem.
 

[bikemad62]

Try new plugs. I put in ngk CR9EK's by accident ( not paying attention) These have twin electrodes made an amazing difference to starting. No more churning over then spluttering into life. Hope this helps.
 

[darrsi]

Check plugs are tightened properly and HT leads are okay, no loose spark plug caps.
May even be as simple as a low battery, give it a charge!

[akula]

It seems to have cured itself so fingers crossed it was nothing that will come back to bug me! Thanks for your suggestions though!