I am new on here Guys and Girls and others I have a 916 sp3 owned from new which I enjoyed for a while in the late 90s but got totally fed up with the reliability. I stored the bike for many years and 2 months ago decided to try and get her going. I have done all the service stuff and double checked. It's got fantastic compression (only done 3000 miles) Before I wanted to put the tank on I wanted to check she would start but only once did it bust into life so I know belts are OK and ignition is OK I have a great spark and using timing strobe can see its firing at TDC in the left hand cover window as stated in manual, no advance at idle I have never NOT started any of my British bikes using easy start but 916 not happy at all. It's almost like the spark is breaking down under compression but I would be surprised looking at the spark out of engine. Flat type plugs. Any suggestions would help Thanks Charlie
Hello thanks for advice so far I will be careful with ES The ecu is I belive the P8 It uses 2 pickups one for rpm on the flywheel and one on the large timing gear.
With the P8 both pickups are the same. If you swap their connectors round it won't fire.. It's easy to check
Thanks Derek, I don't think I would get a spark and she did fire up once. I am wondering if the fuel pump should be connected so ECU is getting a pressure signal It may be making the timing to retarded
I’m still confused. Is the tank on or off? Are the injectors connected to a working fuel pump? Or are you cranking it whilst spraying ES into the throttle bodies?
agree with the retarded bit, are you using Easy Start neat or does it get a chance to blend with a continuing "normal" supply of fuel? If it's the former then this is the reason and hence be careful as it might even try to run backwards. I use GT85 penetrating spray now when all I need is a witness "cough" because it's a lubricant for the bores but the propellant is also briefly flammable but not as volatile as Easy Start.
I don’t think it will run, or even start, at all as there’ll be no pressure at the injectors even if there is a dribble of fuel in the lines.
Hi no tank is not connected and injectors are not connected so I thought it would fire for a second using Easy Start ..I want to check its going to fire up when I do fit tank back, which I have also refurbished with new pump, filters and pipes I'm thinking the ECU maybe giving a false ignition timing, but the strobe shows spark at the tdc dots on the flywheel on both cylinders
but you have a spark? - as engine hasn't run for so long* I would give a couple of squirts of thin oil (we used to say 3 in1!) down each bore before cranking (if you haven't already) as not only could they be initially dry, but also rings might be a little "bound" due to* (or worse of course) plus the Easy Start (particularly if used excessively) can quickly wash away the little initial oil that is there/if it's there at all. Alternatively, you could just carry on assembling up and trust that it's fine - i think that's what I would do - you got one cough earlier on during assembly?
Why not wait until you have a tank with pump and injectors all correctly connected? Then, if it still doesn’t start, let us know. As it is, without tank, injectors, pump, why does it matter?
I agree with what Ricky says above, pop the tank back on, Connect the fuel pipes and pump electrics, make sure it’s fresh fuel in the tank, and enough of it, at least 5 litres, then try. Chris’ suggestion of light oil into each bore is good as well, especially if it’s been standing for many years.
Update on 916sp3 It turned out to be the sparkplugs which are the original discharge type They have a very good spark out of the engine but will not fire when installed I fitter standard new standard plugs and she fired straight away Question is shall I buy the £70.00 + discharge plugs as was fitted originally I'm not thinking of racing the old girl nowadays. I'm still baffled by this situation TBH I always thought plugs not working when installed was an old wife's story Must say it's great to hear it running again after 18 years Good luck everyone
Have a look at my reply in the thread if you are interested I get frustrated when people don't let others know the outcome
