1 Intermittent poor running engine Thu Sep 10, 2015 10:31 am
brickrider
Life time member
I recently completed a 2K+ mile tour on my 1985 K100RS. I consider myself to be lucky to have returned home under its own power. Early on, I noticed an irritating drop in engine power from about 3,200 rpm to about 3,700 rpm. I believe it is due to a lean period in the fueling, as it is worse when the high altitude switch is engaged. On the final day as I rode home on the interstate highway at about 80 mph, the engine began to stop, start, stop as if there was a intermittent failure in the ignition. I pulled to the shoulder and mulled over what to do. When I attempted to start the bike again, it responded immediately as if nothing was amiss. That didn't last however. For the next 300-400 miles the bike ran well one moment and threatened to stop then next.
On the road I checked the following: the primary coil wires, the fuses, the battery post connections, the connector to the computer under the seat, the TPS and the main ground connection, all to no avail.
In the recent past I rebuilt the alternator, installed a new battery, changed the fuel filter, cleaned the starter and replaced the spark plugs. The fuel injectors were cleaned professionally about 20 K miles ago. The fuel pump was renewed at about the same mileage. The wiring connector for the fuel pump under the left front of the tank is snug and free of corrosion.
On the road during the course of the engine's misbehaving I noticed the instruments didn't go dark, so I assume the fault does not lay in the ignition switch. I also noted the charge light at times glows faintly even though the voltmeter shows charging is normal. The brake warning light also came on for no apparent reason while I was underway. It then went dark again.
Where to continue with the trouble shooting? I've looked at what seemed to be obvious possible sources of the problem, and found no likely fault(s).
On the road I checked the following: the primary coil wires, the fuses, the battery post connections, the connector to the computer under the seat, the TPS and the main ground connection, all to no avail.
In the recent past I rebuilt the alternator, installed a new battery, changed the fuel filter, cleaned the starter and replaced the spark plugs. The fuel injectors were cleaned professionally about 20 K miles ago. The fuel pump was renewed at about the same mileage. The wiring connector for the fuel pump under the left front of the tank is snug and free of corrosion.
On the road during the course of the engine's misbehaving I noticed the instruments didn't go dark, so I assume the fault does not lay in the ignition switch. I also noted the charge light at times glows faintly even though the voltmeter shows charging is normal. The brake warning light also came on for no apparent reason while I was underway. It then went dark again.
Where to continue with the trouble shooting? I've looked at what seemed to be obvious possible sources of the problem, and found no likely fault(s).
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Brickrider
1985 K100RS; brick red, of course!