Bssoap74
XS400 Enthusiast
I do not have a garage and my bike sat out in the rain for the past 2 days with no cover and now it won't start. Any idea's of what could have happened?
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Bike Sat in the Rain for 2 days and Now Won't Start
- Thread starter Bssoap74
- Start date
its upset, you left it in the rain on its own, you tight bastard!
seriously, usually its the ignition system's damp. spray wd40 onoto everything to chase that moisture away!
seriously, usually its the ignition system's damp. spray wd40 onoto everything to chase that moisture away!
Bssoap74
XS400 Enthusiast
Even if it's a kickstart only?
you still have an ignition system, and it would be still damp!
try warming up the plugs too, spray a bit of easy start in there to help combustion.
try warming up the plugs too, spray a bit of easy start in there to help combustion.
Bssoap74
XS400 Enthusiast
Any particular part of the ignition system to spary wd40? Contact breaker? Do I need to take that plate cover off the engine to get to it? Sorry I am a newbie and have been looking at the manual none stop.
Bssoap74
XS400 Enthusiast
Thanks drewpy for all of your help so far. I am going to pick up a cover this weekend!
Ace4569
Original XS400 Chick
Jeez just wondering why didn't you get a cover when it was raining? usually people without garages have covers. Sorry for your problem it just needs dried and a little TLC and it should run again.
OliverB
XS400 Junkie
Covers at Walmart for about $20. Same cover as offered other places for a good bit more $.
I would take off the points cover and use a spray contact cleaner in there. I may also pull the tank and make sure the coils and condenser are dry....but my money is on the points. If you don't have one, I would get a gasket for the points cover. I made one from gasket paper, but thin cardboard will work. I would also check the fuse box. Old one are dodgy to begin with, add moisture and all bets are off.
Getting a cover is a good idea, but as for what happened, it happened, no use worrying about it or asking why. A $4 blue tarp would even work.
Getting a cover is a good idea, but as for what happened, it happened, no use worrying about it or asking why. A $4 blue tarp would even work.
and spray the coils and its connections
isigt
XS400 Addict
*taking my cover out to the bike and hopes its not too pissed* 
this happened to bssoap yesterday
better be careful how you treat your bikes folks
followers of Game of thrones on TV recognise the voice?
better be careful how you treat your bikes folks
followers of Game of thrones on TV recognise the voice?
Bssoap74
XS400 Enthusiast
Drewpy, that was funny. Does anybody have a picture of what parts I need to dry. I am a complete newbie and everyone has been very helpful. Thanks in advance
hmusket
XS400 Addict
Bssoap74
XS400 Enthusiast
Thanks hmusket
The coils are the round tan or black plastic things the spark plug wires go to under the tank. If you have to go as far as the fuse box, it's under the seat...and filled with fuses.
Bssoap74
XS400 Enthusiast
I got crc brand qd electronic part cleaner. Will that work?
Bssoap74
XS400 Enthusiast
Picked up a $20 cover from walmart as well. Dont want the bike angry at me any more!
good to hear 
Charles
XS400 Addict
Wanted to bump this since I seem to be getting the same problems. I know, I know...get a cover, but my neighbor's Harley sat in the rain and she cranked right up. Seems I shouldn't HAVE to put a cover on her to ensure she starts. If I'm at work, then what?
So last night it rained. This morning it takes a while for me to get her started, then when she does start, only one cylinder is working intermittently. The odd thing, I took the plug out and at idle, the plug seemed to spark fine, as soon as I revved it, spark stopped. Granted, after about 20 minutes of idling, everything smoothed out and she started to run as normal. So is this an issue with the cover of the points/TCI rotor? Maybe put some RTV on it to seal it up better?
82 XS400SJ
So last night it rained. This morning it takes a while for me to get her started, then when she does start, only one cylinder is working intermittently. The odd thing, I took the plug out and at idle, the plug seemed to spark fine, as soon as I revved it, spark stopped. Granted, after about 20 minutes of idling, everything smoothed out and she started to run as normal. So is this an issue with the cover of the points/TCI rotor? Maybe put some RTV on it to seal it up better?
82 XS400SJ
