I got Bad Gas in the Tank, and now engine wouldn't crank

[TheWolfClan]

Hi,

I recently got really watered down gas in my tank. I started out working ok but after a couple days the engine wouldn't go any more. I have removed bad gas and also replaced Fuel Filter and spark plugs. Does anyone have any suggestions to look at before going to the mechanic?

I have a V-Star 650 Classic 2003 model. I replaced what was easy to get to and plan on removing the gas tank and checking the carbuerator on it. It just makes noise from the starter trying but doesn't sound like the engine is firing anymore, that's why I replaced the spark plugs. Can a bike engine get flooded or do I need to flush air out of fuel lines?

Thank you

[flw]

If you remove a spark plug and ground it, do you see a ark?

Also do you not have access to the fuel line from the tank? I assume you have already tried to siphon off as much fuel as possible. In many cases, if you then refill with good gas and just drain off a pint or so, it will kick over.

[Sev]

Is the battery charged?

[TheWolfClan]

I think I wore out the battery trying to start it up again. I put on a battery jump starter and the light brightens up but it still doesn't crank all the way. I have a battery charger that I can hook it up to but it only does 2amp 4amp and 6amp, Would that work for a Motorcycle battery?

How do you ground the Spark Plug and safely test it?

[jonnythan]

I think I wore out the battery trying to start it up again. I put on a battery jump starter and the light brightens up but it still doesn't crank all the way. I have a battery charger that I can hook it up to but it only does 2amp 4amp and 6amp, Would that work for a Motorcycle battery?

How do you ground the Spark Plug and safely test it?

I used a 2 amp charger several times on my battery before I got a Battery Tender Jr (0.75 amp) and it's still doing well, so I wouldn't worry about it too much.

You might have to crank it a few times to get the water out of the fuel line. If at all possible, you should find the fuel line that goes to the carbs so that you can unplug it and drain it out.

[Sev]

Drain the tank and the float bowls on your carbs as well.

[TheWolfClan]

I am still working on the bike and the fuel filter will not fill up when I turn the value on. Should the filter automatically fill up when the gas is opened or does the fuel pump pull the gas through when you attempt to crank the bike?

[Sev]

I haven't looked at a v-star 650 recently. But your petcock might be vacuum operated. It's possible that it will not allow the gas through unless there is engine vacuum there to open the passages.

What are the options on your petcock? On/Off/Prime/Reserve? Set it to Prime if you have it.

[TheWolfClan]

The value is only on / off / reserve.

[Sev]

Check to see if your petcock has a second small spot to attach a hose.