Triumph Thunderbird Sport Won't Start

Discussion in 'Newbies Hangout' started by GypsySOHMC, Mar 18, 2019.

  1. GypsySOHMC

    GypsySOHMC Member

    Mar 18, 2019
    8
    8
    Stoke on Trent
     
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  2. GypsySOHMC

    GypsySOHMC Member

    Mar 18, 2019
    8
    8
    Stoke on Trent
    Replaced it and air gapped it.
     
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  3. GypsySOHMC

    GypsySOHMC Member

    Mar 18, 2019
    8
    8
    Stoke on Trent
    Replaced it and air gapped it. And it's timed correctly
     
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  4. GypsySOHMC

    GypsySOHMC Member

    Mar 18, 2019
    8
    8
    Stoke on Trent
    Not joking, going to research the prices of parts on ebay to see if theres a market for them, then strip it and sell it in bits.
     
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  5. Wessa

    Wessa Cruising

    Apr 27, 2016
    11,616
    1,000
    North West England
    Shame but you have to do what is right for you..... good luck with the ebay pricing for the parts.
     
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  6. dirty big hands

    dirty big hands Active Member

    Aug 4, 2017
    184
    43
    sussex
    Could we see some pictures of it?
     
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  7. GypsySOHMC

    GypsySOHMC Member

    Mar 18, 2019
    8
    8
    Stoke on Trent
    008.jpg

    007.jpg
     
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  8. GypsySOHMC

    GypsySOHMC Member

    Mar 18, 2019
    8
    8
    Stoke on Trent
    It's had new tyres, chain sprockets, full service, new battery, carbs cleaned and balanced, new pick up coil, list is endless since these pictures. Unfortunately it owes me over 2.5 grand and the only way to get it back is to break it.
    Triumph trained mechanic has had it for last two days and cannot find any reason why it should not start.

    005.jpg
     
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  9. GypsySOHMC

    GypsySOHMC Member

    Mar 18, 2019
    8
    8
    Stoke on Trent
    I have to much cash and time in it to sell it at a loss. So most logical step is to break it and get my money back as best I can
     
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  10. GypsySOHMC

    GypsySOHMC Member

    Mar 18, 2019
    8
    8
    Stoke on Trent
    Thank you all for taking the time to help. After deliberation I have decided to break it for spares and try and recouperate some of the money I've lost on it.
    First bike to beat me in 41 years of riding motorcycles.
     
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  11. Sprinter

    Sprinter Kinigit

    Aug 17, 2014
    6,029
    1,000
    uk
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  12. Oldyam

    Oldyam Grumpy Old Git

    May 14, 2017
    610
    500
    ireland
    Whilst you say the plugs are getting wet, what with ?

    Have you tried a spray of easy start ( brake cleaner works too ) into the air filter box ?

    You also say that it has fresh fuel, how much ?
    When was the last time you actually emptied the tank?

    My trophy's have all had around 1 -2 litres of water in the bottom of the tanks when drained.

    Have you made sure there is no water collected in the plug recesses in the head as this can cause major issues, especially if it vapourises with the engine heat as it doesnt vent well due to the spark plug caps.

    When were the ignition coils last checked / changed as these can be a common failure point, best viewed in the dark as arcing of the coils and leads is more visible.

    Have you tried starting the bike using a car battery with jump leads connected and the car keys in your pocket ? could help if the starter is robbing the power from the ignitor at start up due to a fault or bad brushes ?
     
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  13. GypsySOHMC

    GypsySOHMC Member

    Mar 18, 2019
    8
    8
    Stoke on Trent
    Thank you for the offer it's much appreciated, I have two manuals for it a Haynes and a Clymer. They have helped get me to the stage I'm at but unfortunately not helped in sorting it.
    It's been the most unreliable bike I have ever owned always the same problem it starts when it feels like.
    Once it's running it runs like a dream and handles like it's on rails.
    Enoughs is enough though fed up of it just sat up a corner. Googled the bits to sell on ebay and spoke to a few people and there is not a great call for spares either. So it looks like it wasn't a good choice.
     
  14. Knife

    Knife New Member

    Jan 24, 2019
    12
    3
    Downingtown, PA
    I love that bike! Especially with triple exhaust cans.
     
  15. Ian Dawson

    Ian Dawson Member

    Mar 9, 2019
    28
    18
    Stockport Cheshire
    Have you got compression ? Just a thought
     
  16. GypsySOHMC

    GypsySOHMC Member

    Mar 18, 2019
    8
    8
    Stoke on Trent
    Yes got compression. Well had compression before I started stripping it
     
  17. GypsySOHMC

    GypsySOHMC Member

    Mar 18, 2019
    8
    8
    Stoke on Trent
    I have learned to hate it with a passion.
     
  18. Red Thunder

    Red Thunder Crème de la Crème

    Dec 2, 2014
    2,032
    1,000
    High Wycombe
    I would hate it if it was water in the fuel system,
    A complete flush through, drain tank and swoosh with fresh fuel, empty and refill. Drain carbs, with fuel tap off to empty pump and filter
    Check the fuel line isn't pinched or kinked anywhere

    Fill with premium fuel and a heavy dose of RedX let that get through the system Run the engine with spark plugs out and make sure fuel is venting from the spark plug ports as it turns over
    Double check plug leads/plugs are going to the right port
    If you have a good spark then it 'should' fire up

    I am sure you have tried all this, so If you need to know how to suck eggs I can do a video on that too

    (I was getting frustrated with my project bike not starting for a week, then remembered the fuel tap was off....really hope yours is just a simple overlooked issue)
     
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