abdriver2000

My Caliber 115 has 109400 kms run till date from March 2003. Couple of days back, the bike would not start in the morning. I would start it by rolling it down a slope. During the day, it would start normally.

My mechanic says the valve is cutting off when the engine is cold, and also that the compression is not adequate. He wants to open the engine and replace the valve(s).

Does this sound logical? My bike is very well maintained, and I easily did 80kmph today. The spark plug, CDI and ignition coil have been recently replaced, and they've all tested ok.

Due to lack of Vitamin M, I am not planning on a new bike for atleast 6 months. What are my options in this case?

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Noor

Thread approved

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jd666

It is possible, but then if once the engine is warmed up, does the bike start normally? as in if you switch it off for about 20-30 seconds and try starting it when the engine is hot.

And 1 L + kms in indian conditions is a lot. A change of timing gear, cams, rockers, valves, springs etc should be in place if not already done. ( if you are planning to keep the bike further ). its a kawasaki engine.. thats the usp!!

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Samarth 619

If I bike did not start, you could try using choke.

What mechanic said mostly sounds logical, except that there are many other ways of compression loss, other than just a bent or leaking valve. Try some other mechanic and notice what he says about the situation.
Secondly,

1. Did the mechanic opened the engine before saying that the valve is bent?

2. Did you get the clutch plates checked?

3. Do you notice a engine sound change, noticeable near the engine?

80 kmph is slightly lesser than the Caliber's actual potential. Let me tell you that around 1 Lac kms is the time when most of the motorcycles' engines go for a serious overhaul, although your case might not require it.

abdriver2000

Yes, the engine starts normally when warm. Availability of spares for this model has been an issue for last couple of years. How do I ensure engine parts are available?

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abdriver2000

My answers in bold above

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Samarth 619

Unless he sees the valve himself, how can he claim its leaking? Sound doesn't always tell a bent valve? And how can a valve bend anyways?

And by the way, your problem is just the morning startup, and top speed, right?

Achieving the same Top Speed on an older machine is not always possible, due to less compression. Again, less compression doesn't mean its due to bent/ leaking valve only...

It happens due to age and running. Even R15's engine starts to lose compression on 20,000 kms and above. Yours ran 1 Lac kms somehow, credits to the amazing Kawasaki engineering.

1. So basically, apart from top speed, your other problem is just the morning start and nothing else, right? Did you try using choke?
Remember, that everyone with a carburetted bike, faces this problem in varying degrees.

2. And one more thing, I think smoke should be seen out of your silencer if the outlet valve is leaking. Do you see smoke out of your exhaust, specially on revving it high?

Read the post carefully and answer the questions, then we'll see what can be done...

abdriver2000

Yes, Samarth! My only problem is the cold start. Using choke did not help. Top speed is not my issue.

There is no absolutely no smoke at any speed.

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Samarth 619

I hope your idle rpm is up to 1400 rpm when engine is hot/ returning from a ride... is it?

Secondly, get the spark plug polished/ replaced as per requirement.


Valves do not cut off just like that when they are cold, as you say. Valves are physical parts and not flexible parts affected by temperature. Moreover, you don't see smoke (although this is a very inaccurate method).

I suggest you show the bike to a different mechanic, and get the 2 things done (idle rpm, spark plug).

Aneesh@4GHz

If the stem valve seal is damaged,there will be oil in the spark plug and thus he can identify oil leak from the valve area and he assumed it as a valve bent. Correct me if i am wrong.

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