FZS600 takes forever to start

[Zinger]

To start my FZS600 1999 I basically sit there for probably 30 seconds pressing the ignition, until it finally kicks in. I've replaced the battery and the starter motor but its still the same, any thoughts? thanks

[crishner]

may sound stupid but when were the plugs chainged and are they the right plugs

[Fazerider]

My first thought was "sparks", but as you've changed the battery and starter I guess you mean the engine isn't getting spun up by the starter motor.
If that is the case then starter switch contacts may need cleaning or it may be a dodgy relay... or poor connections to the relay. Check all that stuff round the back of the battery, the cables for the starter circuit are obviously the heavy duty ones. Don't neglect the earthy end either: the link from battery negative to frame and engine to frame both need to be good too.

[Major Rant]

Choke ?? ... Mine needs no choke at all in the summer but when the temp falls below about 10C it needs a small amount to get it going otherwise you have to crank it for ages.

Below 5C it needs 'full on' choke.

But then, If you use choke for more than 20 seconds the bl**dy thing floods and you have to wait an hour.

[Zinger]

Thanks guys,


I use choke to start it every morning since the weather cooled so I don't think thats it. I'll give the spark plugs a change this weekend and brush up on the contacts for the starter relays and see if that does it.

[Farjo]

Mine had intermittent starting; a local garage fixed it and this is what they wrote on the invoice:
"Remove ignition switch strip and clean
Terminals check and clean immobilizer plug"
(Dunno what an immobiliser plug is - does the FZS600 have an immobiliser?

Other than that, are you using choke when the bike doesn't need it?

[Fazerider]

Dunno what an immobiliser plug is - does the FZS600 have an immobiliser?

No, but there is provision for one... presumably it's a Yamaha optional extra.
There's a connector in that bundle of cables in the tail section which has a link plug installed in place of the immobiliser.

[Zinger]

Well, its not the starter relay or the spark plugs.


I've noticed it starts up right away if I switch it off when its been running for a bit, then try to start it again...does that ring a bell for someone, cheers

[b3tarev3]

Well, its not the starter relay or the spark plugs.


I've noticed it starts up right away if I switch it off when its been running for a bit, then try to start it again...does that ring a bell for someone, cheers

Can you hear the fuel pump 'clicking' when you first turn the ignition on?

[unfazed]

Check the intake manifolds for cracks as it can cause the symptoms you describe.  It may be time to replace them.  Also check the carburettor  diaphragms.