Honda Shadow vt600 won't start, ideas?

[Southfood]

So here's the story. I did this before with a 1980 kz440 and the thing spoiled me, it ran like a gem. I got a bike that the tank had rusted out in. This new one is the Shadow from the title. I've cleaned the crabs, I've done the fuel lines, new spark plugs, kreemed the tank, gotten new filters, a new battery and the bike still won't start. It's turning over but nada. I took it up a big hill and tried to compression start it but it literally pudders for four or five seconds and dies.

Any ideas where to start?

[The_AirHawk]

You've got spark in both cylinders, right? (a nice fat one, not some puny slicker)

[Easy Rider 2]

Originally Posted by Southfood

Any ideas where to start?

Spark, fuel, air......and 12 V.

After all the horror stories I've heard about Kreem, I hope that wasn't a mistake.

What year?
One carb or two?
If you open the drain screws on the float bowl(s), does a decent amount of gas come out ??
Could be that the vacume operated part of the fuel path isn't opening or is plugged.

The Honda ignitions, like a lot of recent models, is sensitive to low voltage. The starter can turn but not have enough left to fire the ignition. Be sure your battery is healthy.

edit: And you might have a problem with one of the "safeties" if there is no spark. Is the kill switch in the right position ??

[seruzawa]

Crank the engine a bit while pumping the throttle. Pull a pug and see if it is damp with gas. If not you have a plugged up carb.

Then pull a spark plug wire, put a plug on it and hold the base of the plug to the cylinder head. Be sure to use insulated pliers to hold the plug. Crank the engine and look for spark.

If you have fuel and spark it should at least hiccup. You can try starter fluid into the carb throat while cranking to see if it kicks over.

If you have both fuel and spark the timing could be way off. Better get a manual.

[The_AirHawk]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider 2

Spark, fuel, air......and 12 V.

After all the horror stories I've heard about Kreem, I hope that wasn't a mistake.

As with any particular thing with several crucial, complex steps - putting Kreem (or any other liquid-liner) in a tank and expecting good-results is entirely dependent on one's ability to follow directions, and the attention to detail.

I have a tank that's had Kreem in it nearly 13 years now. Nothing adverse has happened other than the fuel has coloured it a yellow-orange.

[Easy Rider 2]

Originally Posted by The_AirHawk

expecting good-results is entirely dependent on one's ability to follow directions, and the attention to detail.

Which would seem to be in short supply lately.

Probably has something to do with a generation or two that expects instant results.

Glad you aren't in that group.

[Southfood]

Thanks for all the feedback. I've kreemed a tank before with great results and did this one the same. I will check on the vacuum part of the fuel system as suggested and get back to you guys.

This is a dual carb. I do have a manual.

This is a 1988 Honda Shadow vt600.

I did ensure that the kill switch was off when attempting to operate.

Thanks much and I will get back to you guys.

[Easy Rider 2]

Originally Posted by Southfood

I did ensure that the kill switch was off when attempting to operate.

Even though most of us refer to it as a "kill" switch, it really is a RUN switch and OFF is NOT what you want. It needs to be ON to run.

(this is NOT a personal slap at you. You'd be surprised at how MANY riders are bitten in the butt by the "kill" switch.)