SV650 Problems with cold!

[AdvocatusDiaboli]

I usually get to work in 20 mins on my trusty SV. Temperatures have dropped below zero and for the first time, my SV wouldn#t start this morning!

I didn't have the time to sit and play with it, so I had to take the f*****ing tube. A pleasure to be sure.

I think it was either the petrol which has frozen in the pipes or the carbs which were frozen.

What do you guys think?

The bike starter would turn just fine, it even backfired really loudly once. SOunded like a gunshot!

Any advice?

[dern]

I wouldn't have thought petrol would freeze as such unless there's water in it. Carb icing isn't a result of the fuel freezing but the water vapour turning into ice crystals in the carbs but that would only happen while the engine is running (I think). The components of petrol start freezing at about -71deg-c apparently (thanks google).

I'd be checking if I have a spark first and then go from there.

Mark

[catso]

If it's backfiring then it must be getting fuel, I'd suspect damp electrics. Try it after the sun's been on it for a while, or bring it in the house at night.

[AdvocatusDiaboli]

Called my garage who said, that there was a solution they put in tanks which usually solved the problem.

They said SV's sometimes had this problem with cold starting...

Any inputs here?

Anything I can put in the tank - anti freeze?

[Vitesse39]

Rather than having to splash out on adatives, If you bike is garaged, try wrapping a blanket round the engine (once it's cool of course :wink.

This may sound a bit mad but it really worked for my first car which wasn't garaged - just a thick blanket under the bonnet.

[AdvocatusDiaboli]

Hi mate,

I couldn't help but smile. Bike in a blanket, ready for X'mas!

Dont think there is anyway I could get the blanket to stay. In the market for a house, and I am looking for something with garage!!!

Any other suggestions y'all?

[welsh blackbird]

Years ago I had a Suzuki GT250 which was a bastard to start in the winter. I used to take the plugs out and heat them up on the gas stove, stick 'em back in and it started first kick!

However, I think things have moved on a bit since then!

[Incorrigible]

hen you get home on it, wiat fro 10 minutes for it to cool down then a liberal quirt of Widdly Diddly and a wipe down

[dern]

Incorrigible said:

hen you get home on it, wiat fro 10 minutes for it to cool down then a liberal quirt of Widdly Diddly and a wipe down

I personally would spray wd40 on *anything*, especially my bike.

If you can get some then pick up some dampstart, it'll dispel the water around the plugs and then coat them with some stuff or other which will keep the water out... if that is the problem.

[Steve_T]

A common issue is the spark plug for the front cylinder can get wet (without a fender extender fitted). Have a look on www.sv650.org - loads of info there.

Steve.

>> Edited by Steve_T on Monday 21st November 14:43

[billynomates]

Steve_T said:

A common issue is the spark plug for the front cylinder can get wet (without a fender extender fitted). Have a look on www.sv650.org - loads of info there. Steve. >> Edited by Steve_T on Monday 21st November 14:43

Would ask you out for a few tonight matey

Then I remembered tis your C&G's motor bike mechanics course tonight.

[AdvocatusDiaboli]

Thanks all, funny that this is happening. Its certainly NOT due to damp. Its been dry and COLD.

The cold is affecting the bike somehow, I just need to work out what to do to sort. The sparks are a bastard to get to on an SV650...

[WBC]

Although this may sound a bit ridiculous I resorted to using a hair dryer to 'pre-warm' my Firestorm last week after it failed to start. Worked a treat. Obviously not a practical long term solution!

[zzr]

Is there a chance that you are getting condensation on the inside of the carbs as it cools down? This may cause the fuel to form droplets when you try and start the bike in the morning.

The blanket is probably a good idea, also see if you can park it up against a sheltered side of a building as this will reduce the amount of damp.

Paul

[AdvocatusDiaboli]

Thanks. All suggestions I will take on board. Will see if I can rig up some sort of contraption to keep the bike warmer and dry.

This shouldn't be happening though!!

I loved the idea of a hairdryer... however, my portable hair dryer is in my other house with my skirt and make-up!

[Incorrigible]

AdvocatusDiaboli said:

Thanks all, funny that this is happening. Its certainly NOT due to damp. Its been dry and COLD. The cold is affecting the bike somehow, I just need to work out what to do to sort. The sparks are a bastard to get to on an SV650...

When it's cold you get frost, even when you think it's not damp

[telecat]

We had a Problem with a Beta REV50 trials bike with icing causing the Carb slide to stick. Since then we have used Silkolene Pro FST and have had no problems. Seeing where my lads current bike (Sherco 125 Trials) ends up thats saying something!!.