Author Topic: 86 K-bike will not start  (Read 14636 times)

Offline WesFont

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86 K-bike will not start
« on: September 30, 2014, 05:19:54 PM »
I can not get my 86 K-75 to started. I thought it was the fuel pump at first. I replaced it, still doesn't start. It seem to be getting fuel. I hear the whirling and the is fuel in the lines. I think there maybe something wrong with the transmission or the clutch. Since I couldn't start it with the starter button, I tried to push start it. When I let go of the clutch though, the bike did not try to pop into gear, it just kept rolling like I had it in neutral, it did the same thing in second also. So I'm not sure if its a clutch cable problem or if I need a new transmission. And if it doesn't go into gear is that, what's keeping it from starting. The motorcycle has been sitting for 2 yrs, The reason I stop riding is because it would not go into gear, The motor would rev up but when I put into gear there was not power going to the wheel. I took off the final drive and inspected and lubed all the splines. But I know that has nothing to do whether it starts or not.Please help. The bike only has 43000 miles on it and I think it is still worth riding.

Offline Motorhobo

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #1 on: September 30, 2014, 06:04:28 PM »
So when you put it in gear and roll it, it rolls freely as if it were in neutral? It rolls free regardless of whether the clutch is in or out or whether it's in gear or in neutral
1994/1995 K75 ABS Frankenbike: original engine 136k miles, frame from Gary Weaver (RIP), 173k miles -- Current Odometer: 198k miles
1994 K75 since 2013, 82,000 mi (19k mine) w/California Sidecar Friendship II Sidecar & Black Lab 'Miss B' - RIP

Past: 1974 Honda 550/4 (first bike), 1994 K75 (sold), 1995 K75 ABS (parts bike), Sidecar Dog & Best Bud 'Bo' - RIP

Offline kioolt

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #2 on: September 30, 2014, 06:33:48 PM »
If you are truly putting it in gear it sounds like you have stripped clutch splines.  To find out you would have to pull the transmission.  This is something a home mechanic can do.
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1991 K100LT 128,700 miles,1982 R100RT 106,900 miles
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Offline Motorhobo

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #3 on: September 30, 2014, 07:20:47 PM »
+1 fried clutch splines. All the info you need to fix it is here on the forum. Chris Harris has a great YouTube video on how to remove the transmission and inspect the clutch -- he does it with a k100 but it's more or less the same for a k75 -- search this forum for the link. New OEM clutch friction disk = $133 and change. Labor = $0 because you'll be doing it yourself.

http://store.bobsbmw.com/microfiche/DisplayImage.aspx?Size=Full&Type=Z&ImageID=2820

If your transmission splines are shot too then you have a larger problem...but you won't know until you get in there. That's unlikely tho...clutch splines are first to fry.

Were you riding it 2 years ago when it failed?
1994/1995 K75 ABS Frankenbike: original engine 136k miles, frame from Gary Weaver (RIP), 173k miles -- Current Odometer: 198k miles
1994 K75 since 2013, 82,000 mi (19k mine) w/California Sidecar Friendship II Sidecar & Black Lab 'Miss B' - RIP

Past: 1974 Honda 550/4 (first bike), 1994 K75 (sold), 1995 K75 ABS (parts bike), Sidecar Dog & Best Bud 'Bo' - RIP

Offline TimTyler

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #4 on: September 30, 2014, 08:23:27 PM »
Get the engine working and then you can figure out what's wrong with the clutch and/or gear box.

Remove your spark plugs and see if there's fuel in the cylinders. Gap and install new plugs. Check and probably replace your air filter.

Offline Motorhobo

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #5 on: October 01, 2014, 06:05:36 AM »
Actually -- Tim's right about getting it running first. When you say --

Quote
Since I couldn't start it with the starter button, I tried to push start it.

I assume you replaced the battery after two years idle -- if you didn't that'd be first on the agenda. I'd pull the fuel filter and make sure it's not clogged. Then pull the plugs and inspect. I had a starting problem years ago where the fuel would flow but there wasn't enough power to run the electronic ignition so the fuel would just flood the cylinders and foul the plugs. I replaced the battery, pulled the plugs, gently cleaned them off of the fuel and residue, reinstalled and it fired right up.
1994/1995 K75 ABS Frankenbike: original engine 136k miles, frame from Gary Weaver (RIP), 173k miles -- Current Odometer: 198k miles
1994 K75 since 2013, 82,000 mi (19k mine) w/California Sidecar Friendship II Sidecar & Black Lab 'Miss B' - RIP

Past: 1974 Honda 550/4 (first bike), 1994 K75 (sold), 1995 K75 ABS (parts bike), Sidecar Dog & Best Bud 'Bo' - RIP

Offline WesFont

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #6 on: October 06, 2014, 09:32:52 PM »
Firstly the battery is new and good, The plugs are new and gapped and I'm getting a spark, the fuel filter is new, as well as the fuel pump. It pops a bit and some smoke putters out of the exhaust but it never turns over. The only thing I didn't do was change the air filter. Could that keep it from starting. Do you have any other suggestions?

As far as what it does when I try to roll start it. There is a very slight hesitation but not really. When in gear it just rolls as if I the clutch was pulled in.

Offline Motorhobo

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #7 on: October 07, 2014, 05:20:27 AM »
Couldn't hurt to open the air box, pull the filter and blow compressed air through it. You never know what kind of critters have set up shop in your air box. Also, that will give you the opportunity to mKe sure the air box is sealed tight with all three clamps.

If you're getting spark and fuel, it would seem the only thing either missing or you're getting too much of is air. Have you inspected all the air hoses and boots on the throttle bodies.

The frustrating thing about your situation is that if it doesn't turn over and fuel delivery is working, every time you hit the starter the engine floods and you have to wait till it dries out before trying again.

You might be suffering from multiple issues that need to be addressed one by one. But a Kbike with 43k miles is definitely worth saving...it's just a baby. It will take some work fix but odds are good it will run again if you go at it systematically, I'll toss some ideas out there but I am by far not the most knowledgable person here. These are things I'd do before getting into hardcore diagnostics, which hopefully someone else here can help you with.

Are you sure you're getting spark on all three cylinders? If you have the original OEM spark plug wires, they have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced anyway -- if even one of them is compromised that mAy in conjunction with any other issues you have make the flooding worse and prevent it from turning over. Look for aftermarket wires at beemerboneyard.com or euromotoelectrics.com if you want them quick or contact beachcomber on this forum if you can wait for a shipment from the UK.

Check the crankcase breather hose...search that term on the forum to get info.

Unplug the ECU under the seat, spray contact cleaner on the contacts, and reseat.

Put your location in your profile, maybe there's someone close by who could help you out, you never know.

Don't give up...it's actually a pretty simple machine as far as vehicles go.
1994/1995 K75 ABS Frankenbike: original engine 136k miles, frame from Gary Weaver (RIP), 173k miles -- Current Odometer: 198k miles
1994 K75 since 2013, 82,000 mi (19k mine) w/California Sidecar Friendship II Sidecar & Black Lab 'Miss B' - RIP

Past: 1974 Honda 550/4 (first bike), 1994 K75 (sold), 1995 K75 ABS (parts bike), Sidecar Dog & Best Bud 'Bo' - RIP

Offline pfls

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #8 on: October 07, 2014, 12:19:56 PM »
If it sat for two years and you needed to replace the fuel pump, it may be that the fuel injectors are stuck.
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Offline K75RT Keith

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #9 on: October 07, 2014, 01:31:17 PM »
Sitting for 2 years with fuel in the injectors may have caused them to gum up a bit.  I'd try a little starting fluid shot down the air intake and see if she'll run. We are  presuming you put fresh gas and some injector cleaner in the tank before  trying to start her, and that the fuel filter is installed correctly per the arrow on it. 

I would agree that you should pull the air filter and inspect the air box for debris.  If there is enough crap in there it could make starting almost impossible.  My bike sat for 2 years before I bought it and I found a mouse nest and acorns in the air box. Took a while to get the new gas through the injectors. 
You can't help someone who doesn't want to hear the answer.

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Offline mystic red

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #10 on: October 07, 2014, 02:51:30 PM »
Don't want to step on your toes Keith but please don't use starting fluid in a gas engine. Bad for it.....diesel engines only.

Offline Motorhobo

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #11 on: October 07, 2014, 04:55:16 PM »
Don't want to step on your toes Keith but please don't use starting fluid in a gas engine. Bad for it.....diesel engines only.

Why not? I used gallons of it in my old Jeep and it never blew up...of course it was a piece of crap anyway.
1994/1995 K75 ABS Frankenbike: original engine 136k miles, frame from Gary Weaver (RIP), 173k miles -- Current Odometer: 198k miles
1994 K75 since 2013, 82,000 mi (19k mine) w/California Sidecar Friendship II Sidecar & Black Lab 'Miss B' - RIP

Past: 1974 Honda 550/4 (first bike), 1994 K75 (sold), 1995 K75 ABS (parts bike), Sidecar Dog & Best Bud 'Bo' - RIP

Offline WesFont

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #12 on: October 07, 2014, 06:38:27 PM »
Not necessary any way, I sent the injectors to Mr Injector and got them cleaned, they have a 100% working bill of health. I will check the air filter and the crankcase breather hose to see if those may be the problems. Thank you everyone for all you input. It is greatly appreciated. I'm dedicated to getting her up and running again.

I tried to take her to 2 different mechanics out here in Pasadena, one sat on it for 2 months and then sent it to another guy who sat on it for another 3 months before I had to go and pick it up without any work done or diagnosis of what the problem might be. I got the run around about how they were busy and were gonna get to it next week. That was 6 months ago. So I decided to try and fix it myself. Are a lot of motorcycle mechanics flaky or did I just run into 2 bad eggs? smh. Oh well I hope you guys can help me get it back on the road again soon.

Offline WayneDW

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #13 on: October 07, 2014, 07:50:32 PM »
Don't want to step on your toes Keith but please don't use starting fluid in a gas engine. Bad for it.....diesel engines only.

Why not? I used gallons of it in my old Jeep and it never blew up...of course it was a piece of crap anyway.
Me too.  Though mine was a piece of crap Kawasaki that I literally never went anywhere without a can of starting fluid in the saddle bag.  I'm glad to say I've never had to use it on my K75.  Starts every time, all the time!
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Offline Motorhobo

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #14 on: October 07, 2014, 08:13:39 PM »
Are a lot of motorcycle mechanics flaky or did I just run into 2 bad eggs? smh. Oh well I hope you guys can help me get it back on the road again soon.
Consider yourself lucky they never started the work because as a result they never started billing you!! You would've been out many many hundreds of dollars because if they don't know these bikes it'll take 3 times as long to fix them, if they could fix it at all.

If you need a Kbike mechanic get a referral here first...there are a few still living.

Kbike wrenching is Zen...
1994/1995 K75 ABS Frankenbike: original engine 136k miles, frame from Gary Weaver (RIP), 173k miles -- Current Odometer: 198k miles
1994 K75 since 2013, 82,000 mi (19k mine) w/California Sidecar Friendship II Sidecar & Black Lab 'Miss B' - RIP

Past: 1974 Honda 550/4 (first bike), 1994 K75 (sold), 1995 K75 ABS (parts bike), Sidecar Dog & Best Bud 'Bo' - RIP

Offline mystic red

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #15 on: October 07, 2014, 09:06:20 PM »
Don't want to step on your toes Keith but please don't use starting fluid in a gas engine. Bad for it.....diesel engines only.

Why not? I used gallons of it in my old Jeep and it never blew up...of course it was a piece of crap anyway.

Bent rods, broken rings and it is an excellent degreaser. And it's very explosive! Diesel has lubricating qualities and gas does not. If a gas engine does not start there is something wrong with it. Just getting it started doesn't fix the problem. If it's right, it will start on gas. Using it on a piece of crap might be OK but it was designed to start diesel engines in extreme cold. How many pro mechanics, when they can't get a gas engine started, shoot it with starter fluid?

Offline rbm

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #16 on: October 07, 2014, 09:51:16 PM »
Have you gone through Bert's troubleshooting guide?  It will lead you through the common electrical problems that prevent starting.
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Offline jimnto

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start - Where is Bert's guide
« Reply #17 on: July 30, 2021, 12:34:00 AM »
Bert's guide (http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/bvogel/K100/download/bike-wont-start1.htm) is no longer available at that address.

Does anyone have a copy of it?  i am pretty desparate.

Jim Nielsen
Toronto

Offline frankenduck

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start - Where is Bert's guide
« Reply #18 on: July 30, 2021, 01:48:36 AM »
Bert's guide (http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/bvogel/K100/download/bike-wont-start1.htm) is no longer available at that address.

Does anyone have a copy of it?  i am pretty desparate.

Jim Nielsen
Toronto

I just emailed you a PDF of it.
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Offline Laitch

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #19 on: July 30, 2021, 07:06:57 AM »
The pdf of Bert's troubleshooting guide that frankenduck sent you is also available at a link in the Repair Guidance section, jimnto. In the Service Bulletin section are a genuine BMW testing and troubleshooting guides for both 2V and 4V Bricks contributed by our member volador, service bulletins contributed by Scott_ and some useful comments by other members. Your desperation is distracting you from finding many helpful resources available here. Take a deep breath and look around.


You aren't the first who has experienced this type of problem with your moto and there are solutions for most of the causes.
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Offline Past-my-Prime

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #20 on: July 31, 2021, 10:05:30 PM »
 :laughing4-giggles: This is a seven year old thread! I wonder if he got his bike running?
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Offline Laitch

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #21 on: August 01, 2021, 02:12:09 AM »
:laughing4-giggles: This is a seven year old thread! I wonder if he got his bike running?
Undoubtedly, Wes is waiting for a personal message from you concerning that very topic, PmP.  :popcorm
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Offline Past-my-Prime

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #22 on: August 01, 2021, 08:08:54 AM »
Undoubtedly, Wes is waiting for a personal message from you concerning that very topic, PmP.  :popcorm

I prefer to let stories play themselves out without my interference. I am a patient person.

The most rewarding stories, of course, are the ones that end with the successful resolution to whatever the problem was.
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Offline Laitch

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Re: 86 K-bike will not start
« Reply #23 on: August 01, 2021, 10:59:03 AM »
I prefer to let stories play themselves out without my interference.
At least visit graveside, PmP.  :laughing4-giggles:
  • Along the Ridley in Vermont.
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