I took my DS too the dealer a couple weeks ago because it would not start and they told me it needed new rings & piston. The stock parts are on a backorder for at least 4 weeks, so instead of letting the bike sit, I decided to order a Piston & Ring set from Ron Woods (11.5:1) and I put the rings & piston in myself. But it still won't start!! It tries, but its doing the same exact thing it did when I took it to the dealer, so I dont think the piston & rings are my problem. The timing is correct and everything, but it don't seem to be getting any fuel to the plugs. What could be my problem?

Thanks

 

How long had it been since it ran? Was it running alright the last time you rode? That's some crazy shiot your dealer is telling you...the first thing I'd do is check my battery...most auto parts stores have a 12V battery load tester and they'll usually test for free--just because the lights come on and it "tries" to start doesn't mean it ain't your battery. Mine wouldn't start after four and a half months of no riding, I tried to jump start it with my pickup and it still wouldn't start, so I put it on a trickle charger for six hours and she fired right up!...after you make sure its NOT the battery pull a plug and see if its wet after trying to start it (you are getting fuel into the cyl. right?). Damn dude! I feel for ya, I hate it when my stuff won't run! I know there are other possibilities that are a heck of a lot more probable than needing "piston and rings"--good god almighty[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif[/img]

 

Yeah, I had a few choice words for my dealer today. What voltage should my battery be running? It would run fine before, but it took alot of work to start it 5-10 minutes in 75-80 degree weather, then one day I just couldnt get it to start. About 2 or 3 weeks before that my Battery Holder got bent and it dug a hole into the red boot for my battery and everytime it hit it would cause my bike to miss, I found it when I noticed smoke coming from my battery where the battery holder decided to just hold itself against the boot and fry my battery. Do you think it could have shorted out something else electrical?

Thanks

One good thing is I now know how to tear down engine if I ever decide to buy cams or anything.