Having trouble starting a V twin!

My trust Twin is finally died, or is just being a little crap on me. I blew a belt x-mas day, and stored it till I got the chance to grab a new one. I started it about a month ago but it was unusasually hard, but it did start. The next time I tried to start it (about a week ago) it wouldnt run. That time, I blew the stator AND melted the negative terminal on my battery somehow. I then pullet it into my main age for some work. I checked the fuepump it works great, so that good. I then check for spark...CHeck. Compression? Still cant turn it over without removing a spark plug (I love twins for that) Good compression, great. Check the other side? Perfect, both cylinder have compression. Clean the carb? CHeck. Any ideas..?

Starter may be bad. And if your stator burned out and you have melting terminals, you have a wiring problem.

Also, how was the oil level? If you run it dry itll seize up aor even throw a rod. Since you have compression you saved yourself from the latter.

Its spinning around quick engough for a spark, but not starting. And it's kinda odd, I never messed with the wires since I killed the belt x-mas...No clue how the wiring would be bad, I plan on re-wirng it soon...Do these thing absolutely NEED a fuse? I think I re-wired it so it ran without it a while back.

I dont think a fuse is unnecessary unless you run accessories.

Im honestly having the same issue with my 12.5 Tecumseh OHV. Have you tried starting fluid? Just spray some down the air intake while cranking it and if it doesnt start then I dunno cause thats where im at.

Ill try it as soon as I get out tomorrrow If I have any out there, Any luck with the tecumseh with it? Last, so I dont really need it?

Murray modder wrote:

Ill try it as soon as I get out tomorrrow If I have any out there, Any luck with the tecumseh with it? Last, so I dont really need it?

I dunno what is up with mine, it wont run with anything. Its a Tecumseh, so I dont expect much.

I might be able to help there, Is it recoil or electric, if its electric, Get a drill, A socket that fits the flywheel, and a Bolt that socket in place of a rachet....Hook it all together so you dont waste your battery.

Murray modder wrote:

I might be able to help there, Is it recoil or electric, if its electric, Get a drill, A socket that fits the flywheel, and a Bolt that socket in place of a rachet....Hook it all together so you dont waste your battery.

Ive tried starting it off the Jeep battery while the Jeep was running and still no fire. Dunno whats wrong with it. But forget my issue, gotta figure out yours!

Thanks, the forum guys are more helpful than the technicians I go to if your guys draw a blank...Or...used to. anyways, Have you ever cleaned a V twin's carb?

Murray modder wrote:

Thanks, the forum guys are more helpful than the technicians I go to if your guys draw a blank...Or...used to. anyways, Have you ever cleaned a V twin's carb?

In the process of cleaning my 14hp Vanguard carb. Gave it up though cause I didnt want the gas smell in my house. Its not too bad.

Is it JUST the one needle valve or is it the tiny holes on top too? I got about a dozen little holes in mine.

Murray modder wrote:

Is it JUST the one needle valve or is it the tiny holes on top too? I got about a dozen little holes in mine.

Mine has an inlet for fuel and an outlet for overflow. Theres only one needle connected to the float, its the same as any other carb as far as I can tell.

WIsh I could get a Picture of it, but its pretty late here, But THe gas goes in on topm of the carb, and Sits up there and goes through a BUNCH of holes till it gets to the bowl somehow.

Murray modder wrote:

WIsh I could get a Picture of it, but its pretty late here, But THe gas goes in on topm of the carb, and Sits up there and goes through a BUNCH of holes till it gets to the bowl somehow.

If your looking at it upside down with the float removed there should be 1 extra hole for the overflow.

If youre cleaning it just spray it out with carb cleaner. To clean the jets just take a twisty tie that you get on breadbags and burn all of the paper/ plastic off except where you would hold it, straighten it out and run it through the jets. Then dry it off with clean air.

Before I tke ALL THAT CRAP OFF AGAIN, is there away to tell if this is a carb problem?

If it starts up with starting fluid its probably your carb.

Straight into the cylinder or the carb?...

Murray modder wrote:

Straight into the cylinder or the carb?...

You can do it straight into the cylinder by taking the plugs out and putting them back in, or if you crank it over and spray some of the starting fluid into the intake (with the air cleaner off) it should fire right up.

Seems alright, would It be a good idea to do em both is it doesnt come right up?

What do you mean?

Nevermind, I had one of those half asleep moments when I wasnt thinking. Ill be sure tocome to you ahd Chopperhead if I get problems with my mowers, you guys seem to be the most active people, god know you guys help me alot.

Murray modder wrote:

Nevermind, I had one of those half asleep moments when I wasnt thinking. Ill be sure tocome to you ahd Chopperhead if I get problems with my mowers, you guys seem to be the most active people, god know you guys help me alot.

We all have those moments, not a problem.

The forum is here to help you. If you have a qestion, just find the right forum to put it in and post it up!

I didnt have any starter fluid in my garage..thought I purchased some last week...Tore my garage apart looking for it. Could I use gas i the cylinder? I've heard of using that method on horizontal engines.

Murray modder wrote:

I didnt have any starter fluid in my garage..thought I purchased some last week...Tore my garage apart looking for it. Could I use gas i the cylinder? I've heard of using that method on horizontal engines.

Go for it. I just suggested starter fluid cause I always have it in my shop. Just put a tiny bit in each cylinder and try it. Might take a few tries. Ive started weedwhackers a few times by doing that.

Murray modder wrote:

I didnt have any starter fluid in my garage..thought I purchased some last week...Tore my garage apart looking for it. Could I use gas i the cylinder? I've heard of using that method on horizontal engines.

Got any carb cleaner.


Really all you need is a volitile fluid the doesn`t leave a residue.

I`ve seen to many engines damaged by ether.

carb cleaner is a good bet .