Trouble starting when moderately cold

[photo1]

Got a 2007 America. My wife has an '06 Bonny. Have had them since about 2010. We rode them together a couple of weeks ago - everything fine. A week later, we go to ride again and hers starts up no problem. Mine, turns over and turns over but won't start.

Not the first time this issue has occurred. Seems like when the air temp goes below 55 or so (F), I have this trouble. Sometimes I can get it started by letting it sit out in the sun for a couple of hours, as long as it is not too cold.

Just moved up to PA, Harley country, and cannot locate a Triumph mechanic. The one we used back in MD said to spray some starter in the air intake, but I've read that this is a bad idea? He says this engine is same engine as the Bonnie, but differently configured? I'm not much of a mechanic - just a casual rider. I love the bike, but this is really frustrating - I feel as though I can only ride it April - September.

Been searching for others with the problem - mechanic says it's common - but all I can find is people reporting the dreaded 'click.' This is not that - it turns over just fine, it just doesn't catch.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Qship]

Is it a possible water or other contamination in fuel issue? How often do you ride and are tanks kept full? As you are not the first owner, I gather as buying in 2010, may have sat for a while and gummed up the carbs. just feeling for more info as that may help pinpoint a cause to your cold start issue.

 

[photo1]

Is it a possible water or other contamination in fuel issue? How often do you ride and are tanks kept full? As you are not the first owner, I gather as buying in 2010, may have sat for a while and gummed up the carbs. just feeling for more info as that may help pinpoint a cause to your cold start issue.

Hi - and thanks for the reply. Bikes are garage kept if that mitigates water in the fuel. I use high octane fuel and generally keep the tank pretty full. And yes, I did buy the bike used, so I have no idea what issues existed, but I bought it through a dealer and have had it serviced regularly since then. (Somehow I guess I think buying it through a dealer is more reliable, but I suppose that is a risky belief.) I suppose the cold would condense any moisture in the air, so that part makes sense, but I'm unclear how to check this or what to do about it.

 

[CarlS]

Yes the engine is the same as the Bonnie's. You said if it sits on the sun for a couple of hours, it will start. Though this will not solve your problem, have you tried warmng the engine and coils with a hair dryer for a few minutes? It almost sounds like a vapor lock. But is your America not EFI rather than carbureted? If it is EFI, get a can of injector cleaner and run it through your fuel tank per directions on the can. See if that helps.

 

[Qship]

I would recommend a can of Seafoam and follow directions as to how much to add to your fuel. It will remove any water in the fuel system and is a great upper engine and fuel system cleaner. I use it on my engines at least yearly and sometimes more if I suspect water in my system.

 

[Ferret]

I would recommend a can of Seafoam and follow directions as to how much to add to your fuel. It will remove any water in the fuel system and is a great upper engine and fuel system cleaner. I use it on my engines at least yearly and sometimes more if I suspect water in my system.

It's great stuff Seafoam I used to use it a lot on my Harley, being a Harley it needed it

 

[photo1]

Thanks for the recommendations. I will give it a shot - will report back here.

 

[photo1]

Oh, - I just saw the tagline under my name - "Riding for 38 years." When and how did THAT happen??!!!!

(Of course, looking around, I see that I'm the youngster . . . Ha!)

 

[triumph david]

Photo1, just a note, have you checked the plugs?, might be worth putting some new one's in along with that Seafoam. Sounds like it can't be much wrong with it if it runs ok.