Rocket Won't Start

blip

Supercharged
Joined
Apr 22, 2015
Messages
209
Location
Ottawa, Ontario
Ride
2014 R3 Roadster
Hey Everyone,

I've got a buddy with a Rocket Classic to fix (2005 model) that is having an issue starting.
The starter motor runs fine, all the normal startup sounds seem normal (although I am not sure exactly what the fuel pump prime sounds like, but it sounds the same as when I start my working bike) however the bike won't start.

When you put Quick start spray on the fuel filter and pulse the throttlle repeatedly it will start but only stay that way for a few seconds unless you continuously pulse the throttle (by pulse I mean repeated full throlle then release over and over again quickly) but even then it only stays running for 15 seconds max.

Any ideas what might be causing this or what I should look at? Your help is super appreciated.
 
Check fuel pump fuse.
Clean the fuel system out, drain tank remove the fuel pump (change fuel filter). I would pull the injectors and have them ultrasonically cleaned and tested. Purge new fuel through the lines prior to re installing the injectors.
 
Mittzy said:
Check fuel pump fuse.
Clean the fuel system out, drain tank remove the fuel pump (change fuel filter). I would pull the injectors and have them ultrasonically cleaned and tested. Purge new fuel through the lines prior to re installing the injectors.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestions. Before removing the fuel pump from the tank is there a test I can do to see if the fuel pump is bad? Is the test in TuneECU accurate?
 
blip said:
Thanks for the suggestions. Before removing the fuel pump from the tank is there a test I can do to see if the fuel pump is bad? Is the test in TuneECU accurate?
Click to expand...
Yes but you would require a fuel pressure test gauge etc
 
Lot's more info needed. Was it running before? Had been sitting for how long? Fresh battery/charged? Anything done prior to it not starting? Fuses, relays, loose grounds, kickstand switch, manual on/off switch, it could be a lot of things. I'd do more research before I started tearing into things. Now on one of my 05's, when I changed the fuel filter, the hoses were very hard and cracked. Probably wouldn't have been long and they would have caused problems. Filter was also hard to blow through. You should "hear" the fuel pump run for a second or two, when turning on the ignition. It pumps up to around 40psi, then shuts off. Gauges should sweep, neutral light on.
 

Unfortunately I don't have a full history but I do know some of the answers:

- Was it running before?: Yes it was.
- Fresh Batter?: Batter charge was the first thing we did. Battery tests good as well and is up to 13 volts.
- Anything done prior to it not starting? Not that I am aware of.

All the fuses and relays seem good. We swapped several relays without seeing any change. The startup routine is all normal, the gauges sweet etc, and we hear the throttle boddies and I think hear the prime. Nuetral light and low fuel light are on.
I'll have to check my bike to see if the low fuel light is on prior to start (I think it is) otherwise that would be a sign.
 
I'd make sure it has some gas in the tank, for starts. As it sits now, something is wrong. IF you start tearing into things without knowing what specifically is wrong, your just creating more possibilities. You should be able to hear the pump prime, it's pretty audible. You really need a test light or voltmeter to check fuses, relays, etc. etc. I suggest searching here, for topics like "won't start" "cuts out" "hard to start" etc. Lot's of good info on this site. IF he plans on keeping the bike, I'd certainly change the filter and lines, but perhaps AFTER you determine what is actually wrong.
 

Good points all. There is definitely gas in the tank (quite full actually).
I'll have a look at the lines and filter as well.
 
Yes, have to have spark. But it must, if it tried to run on start spray. Could be pump/filter/lines/fuse/relay/broke wires on and on...
 
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