carburated triumph won't start

[7UPyours]

battery is good, starter works but won't fire. This isn't my bike and I was told carbs were cleaned and bike was running last season. Any suggestions ? Would bad gas cause? Thnaks

[jasnmar]

Carbs were cleaned last season, or carbs were cleaned this season?

Bad gas would cause the carbs to need to be cleaned.

[7UPyours]

carbs were cleaned last season and bike was running, he says when key is turned ON, start button engages but won't fire if that makes any sense.

[scootertrash]

The first thing I do in cases like this is figure out if it's a fuel or spark issue, then you know which direction to start looking in. If no spark, I would first check basic things like handlebar kill switch, kickstand safety switch, etc. I'm not sure what model Triumph you have. If you can easily get to the spark plugs, check the plugs right after trying to start it. Are they wet or dry? (may help you figure out if you are getting any gas at all). Try carefully putting a little bit of gas in the spark plug hole. (for instance, hold a small piece of tubing an inch or two into a gas can and use your finger on the other end of the tube to hold that little bit of gas with suction, then release it into the spark plug hole) That may help determine if you are getting spark.

[breakdirt916]

not enough info...

is your friend around 32? that would help...

[7UPyours]

not enough info...

is your friend a round 32? that would help...

you asking his waist size or age? not sure of either but since I'm 35 I would think he is around my age, I will pass on this info, thanks everyone except breaker since I didn't provide enough info

[butcher bergs]

Carbs were cleaned then the bike didn't start? Did it run after the carbs were cleaned?

I've had a few bikes come to me where, ultimately, someone didn't reassemble the carb(s) correctly and viola! No start, no run.

[gamorg02]

no matter how clean the carbs were when it was put away untreated gas sitting in those carbs throughout the winter will cause all sorts of issues

[Sheppo]

is the fuel petcock on?

[markbvt]

What year/model Triumph?

When he hits the starter button, does it turn the engine over but the engine doesn't catch, or does it not even get that far?

Need more info.

--mark

[jasnmar]

My take on OP's description is that the engine is turning over fine, but there is no evidence of combustion.

Only 3 problems to investigate. Spark. Fuel. Air.
Air is unlikely keeping it from starting (it may run like crap without (much) air, but it's usually run).
As Scootertrash mentioned, determine if the problem is spark or fuel.

[breakdirt916]

whoa, waist size?? that sir, is NOT relevant. please keep this thread ON TOPIC!!

history of bike: which triumph?? age?? condition?? maintenance history??

1.) key -> turn-> lights on? -> press starter button -> *chug*chug*chug*? no?
2.) "won't fire' -> spark plug -> get wrench -> remove plug -> turn over engine -> spark?
-if no spark, replace plug, repeat process, if still no spark, what kind of ignition? CDI? breaker points? cd player? if not sure - what does your service manual say?
3.) gas: drained old? started with fresh tank? farted a couple times in the gas tank after mexican food?
4.) carbs: inspect pilot circuitry - clear? what does "they've been cleaned" mean? sprayed with carb cleaner? removed and soaked overnight? removed and placed in ultrasonic cleaner? spit on it a couple times? oem carb? aftermarket? jetting? choke used? choke working? choking yourself?
5.) valves - adjusted? bike doesn't have valves? not sure what valves are?
6.) storage - inside or outside? ground connections good?

and most importantly:

7.) drink 7up - make it yours
8.)
9.) profit

[TheIglu]

I just need to know what to make for dinner with these two ingredients, that's all.

[7UPyours]

thanks for all your help (including breakdirt ) I was just going by what he told me thru text msgs and I knew it wasn't much but I did have a good feeling that you gear heads will have good suggestions. I forwarded him all the info and haven't heard back...also all of you are getting credit for this once the bike is running and it's a speedmaster