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Message started by MilesCCTX on 12/04/24 at 17:28:38

Title: No start after dying mid-ride
Post by MilesCCTX on 12/04/24 at 17:28:38

Was cruising about 45 mph when the bike started to lose power, i figured I had just run it out of gas. When i pull over to switch the petcock to reserve, I saw a lot of oil coming from what I believe is the head gasket, but i’m not 100% positive. Bike no longer starts, just keeps cranking over. I have verified that i’m getting fuel and spark, still need to check for compression but I wanted to see what you guys thought about it. I’ve looked through all the other topics on here on oil leaks and haven’t found anything relating to head gaskets or no start condition. I believe I also have a leak from the notorious head plug, but I’m still confused on why it just died on me.

Thanks, Miles

Title: Re: No start after dying mid-ride
Post by Yoshi on 12/04/24 at 19:39:00

I see this is your first post so Welcome to the forum!

You say you verified that you have spark and fuel? Then it maybe compression is what you're missing, remember to disconnect the thing ontop of the motor that lifts the valves or you won't get a compression test.

I have seen head plugs leak but it shouldn't give you a no start issue.

Also check for fuel in you oil, maybe be a bad petcock

Title: Re: No start after dying mid-ride
Post by JOG on 12/04/24 at 21:00:44

Spark with the plug out doesn't mean you have spark with it in. Compression loads the starter and eats power. If the battery isn't Hot,it will turn over and not spark.
I like WD40 for a fuel. It's got lube,and it's got butane. Ether or any other flammable is okay, but they don't lube cylinder walls.

Title: Re: No start after dying mid-ride
Post by ThumperPaul on 12/05/24 at 05:17:27

Can you share a pic of the oil leak?

The head plug leak will be most noticeable in the cavity next to the exhaust port. Look in that cavity and see if there is wet oil in there. Unless the plug has completely popped out, the usual nuance leak should not cause a no start condition (unless you’ve completely run out of oil).

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1099227295

The head to head cover uses sealant (no gasket). That can leak. And the head cover bolt that protrudes into spark plug area can leak. Suzuki bored the hole a little too deep.

Sounds like a fuel delivery issue to me. Do you have a stock OEM petcock valve? Try putting it on prime and make sure you have at least 1 gallon of fuel in the tank. Put it on prime, remove the fuel line at the valve or carb, and see if gas pours out. It should flow pretty good. If you have a weak stream, replace the petcock valve or talk to your urologist. :-?

Title: Re: No start after dying mid-ride
Post by MilesCCTX on 04/11/25 at 07:37:08

I know im several months late in replying, I haven’t had much to time to work on it until now. :'( I already have a raptor petcock on there, and I just pulled off the carb to make sure it wasn’t dirty or plugged at all.I checked for spark by pulling the plug out and turning the engine over. Also checked the air filter and it was fine. So my last option is to check the plug again and compression test it. It sounds healthy like it is just lacking spark, and I feel air coming out of the exhaust so I’m hoping it’s not down on compression. :(

Title: Re: No start after dying mid-ride
Post by ThumperPaul on 04/11/25 at 08:26:10

Perhaps too obvious, but did you accidentally bump the kill switch and turn it off? I’ve felt foolish doing that before.

You may also want to check the clutch safety position sensor and side stand sensor. Worth a shot before digging into other things.

Title: Re: No start after dying mid-ride
Post by MilesCCTX on 04/11/25 at 09:46:21

I’ve done that before, but no, the bike was noticeably losing power while the throttle was open about 70%. I checked the side stand sensor but i guess I could also check the clutch sensor as well. Thank you for the reply Paul I will get back on this thread when I do a little more troubleshooting.