Delayed Start

[Postmaster]

My 2007 Bulldog with EFI has a delayed Start every time. After I pressurized the fuel system and then press Start, There is a delay (same as you would experience with a dead battery), then it will start after the second pressing of the button. I have been told that some Big Dogs just do this. My mechanic phoned Big Dog for support and that is what they said. This is NOT normal to me. Actually, I hate to shut off my bike on a long trip for fear that it won't start so far from home. I have checked all connections and also put a load test on it. All registers normal. I have installed a new battery as well. I have even been told that the compression valves may not be releasing immediately to help in the start. This is something that has been happening since I have owned the bike for about 2 years now. The bike runs great but worries me every time I go to start it. Any suggestions from the geniuses out there? Someone must have experienced the same thing. This can't be a one off problem. HELP! HELP!

 

[Sven]

First thing that comes to mind is resistance [heat] building up and stopping the flow. Then turns over a second time being heated some? Yes, maybe similar things happened to me a few times. Maybe the kid powdered the frame and I stabbed a wrench to the motor to a good ground and it turned it over. Took a remote cable from engine to frame as a second ground from battery to frame. Started right up. See how the engine is in question if no extra strap on yours? I'm just saying, some come without, but...

Next one was; I think I forgot to bolt the one side of the flat ground strap from frame to inner primary? That was dangling off the frame. Guess I forgot it. It would start, but he had someone do his bar risers and eliminated some wires so there was the ground at one time, sans the ground strap.

Last one; I caught thru the corner of my eye. Had the mohome sitting for awhile. Pulled the engine cap off, and primed the carb some. No start. Changed the starter solenoid, primed it again, and saw this spark fly off the webbed flat ground strap from engine to the frame. I took a file to both touch points so fresh metal would make contact. Fired right off.

So say you checked all things. Want to install a remote steel/flat/webbed ground strap from engine to frame? And the question to you is. Did you remove the [usually never removed] ground strap from battery to frame? After how many years of heat to condensation did it form a rust between those two touch points? Did you go that far with the ground cable off the frame, scratch new metals touching? No? Then I'd start there. No joy? Back to the remote strap.

 

[Postmaster]

Thank you Sven. I will try this weekend.

 

[Jersey Big Mike]

You should be able to feel the compression releases operate by putting your finger on them.
Try this, loosen the spark plugs, don't hit run (so no fuel thru efi system) hit start.
Does it spin up right away or do you still get delay?

What type of battery is in it? AGM, lithium?
Does temperature of the day effect this, temperature of bike

If you get it to start and do shut it off what happens if you immediately try to restart it - delay or spin right up

On first push of button do you hear anything? Have you measured battery voltage when you press start -- report both failed attempt voltage and working voltage (drops)

What is the battery voltage on bike with key off with fully charged battery -- Must be 12.8v

Do you have any clutch drag -- are you starting in neutral, clutch in?

 

[Postmaster]

Thank you for the suggestions. I will try everything this weekend.

 

[PAUL NOBBS]

Mine has done that ever since i bought it. switch off switch back on and usually starts ok after 2-3 attempts - thought it was normal!!!!

 

[Mikeinjersey]

Thank you for the suggestions. I will try everything this weekend.

In addition to the troubleshooting suggestions given consider the possibility that an intermittent Run button and/or Start button would give you the same symptom. If the run button doesn't signal the EHC , the ignition and the Start Function won't be activated. If the start button fails you get no CR release and no Starter. The buttons are on the same board so maybe have look at the connection to be sure it's in good shape.

 

[Postmaster]

Thank you!

 

[Lumi Ints]

Hi, I had the same problem. One compression release valve did not work properly, put a new one. Also my mechanic dismantled starter and cleaned all needed contacts and put some lube. Now it starts almost without hesitation.

 

[Postmaster]

I also read that if you push the release down and hold before starting, that will work. Sometimes you can put a little penetrating oil on them to lubricate them. Thanks for your information. Much appreciated!