Author Topic: 1987 K75 won't crank when cold  (Read 2528 times)

Offline Nothsaw

  • Motobrick Curious
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1987 K75 won't crank when cold
« on: October 27, 2020, 11:09:52 AM »
Live in AZ so have had no issues all summer long. Threw my leg over this morning in the 40F's and it wouldn't crank. Could my starter be bad? Any ideas? Thanks in advance!
  • Sunny Arizona
  • 1987 K75

Offline Laitch

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Re: 1987 K75 won't crank when cold
« Reply #1 on: October 27, 2020, 11:57:03 AM »
Engine oil thickens in cold weather; how much it thickens depends upon its grade. Cold engines will need full battery power to crank. If the crank won't rotate, check the battery terminal clamps and battery ground cable terminal on the transmission for tightness and clean surfaces. Your battery might be dead. Check its output; it should be above 12.6V. Give it a slow charge until fully charged if necessary then try again.

Thanks in advance not accepted.  :laughing4-giggles:
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Offline Chaos

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Re: 1987 K75 won't crank when cold
« Reply #2 on: October 27, 2020, 02:10:00 PM »
I'm with Laitch, most likely a battery issue.  Starters go bad but not too often.  When mine died suddenly other weird stuff happened, like the tach needle rising when I pushed the started button as the engine did nothing.  I wrote it off as f**king magic and rebuilt the starter.
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1987 K75S    VIN 0231
Original owner, Original litter
200,000 miles (plus or minus) and 5 paint jobs
sold 6/23
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Offline The Mighty Gryphon

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Re: 1987 K75 won't crank when cold
« Reply #3 on: October 27, 2020, 06:04:54 PM »
When you say it won't crank is it because the starter motor won't turn, or is it because the motor turns, but doesn't turn the engine?  Are you just getting a click and a little bit of engine turning, or do you hear the starter whirring away?

I ask because there are different causes depending on what is or isn't happening when you try to start.
  • In my garage in Marilla, NY
  • '91K100RS White/Blue
Current:
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Past:
'94 K75RT "Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS"
'92 K100RS16V "Moby Brick" (RIP, deceased in a vehicular assault)
'94 K75S Special Edition Dakar Yellow "Cheetos"
'89 K100RS Special Edition "Special Ed"

Offline Nothsaw

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Re: 1987 K75 won't crank when cold
« Reply #4 on: March 31, 2021, 12:34:04 PM »
Replaced battery. No cranking issues since.
  • Sunny Arizona
  • 1987 K75

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