Page 1 of 1

ZX12 electrical issue

Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 9:52 pm
by Christo
Does anyone know why the engine would stall if you disconnect the battery? Tried to start with a battery booster, but as soon as we disconnect it the engine stops immediately.

Re: ZX12 electrical issue

Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 9:59 pm
by Jonno
rooted battery maybe, what's the voltage with the ignition off across the terminals?

Re: ZX12 electrical issue

Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2011 10:40 pm
by Christo
Jonno wrote:rooted battery maybe, what's the voltage with the ignition off across the terminals?
I will get a mate to bring over his multimeter & check it. battery is only a bit more than 12 months old, but the bike has not been used much of that time.

Re: ZX12 electrical issue

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 10:38 am
by Gosling1
Christo wrote:......Does anyone know why the engine would stall if you disconnect the battery? Tried to start with a battery booster, but as soon as we disconnect it the engine stops immediately......
Because the ECU needs the +12v signal from the battery as well as the alternator in order to work properly.

No battery = no running. These motors are not the same as an old straight six red motor that can run with the battery disconnected....

8)

Re: ZX12 electrical issue

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 11:35 am
by Smitty
Gosling1 wrote:
Christo wrote:......Does anyone know why the engine would stall if you disconnect the battery? Tried to start with a battery booster, but as soon as we disconnect it the engine stops immediately......
Because the ECU needs the +12v signal from the battery as well as the alternator in order to work properly.

No battery = no running. These motors are not the same as an old straight six red motor that can run with the battery disconnected....

8)
Gos is spot on
the old red six used points ignition (and low voltage at that otherwise you burn the points out) plus a carb

that is not the case with the 12...it needs a constant smooth supply of lectrickery 8) for its EFI, ECU and sensors

Re: ZX12 electrical issue

Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2011 12:33 pm
by Christo
Battery was completely gone (had it tested). Bought another one and it started fine. Have it up on stands in my patio so I can work on it after work and get all those little jobs done. Trying to fix that cam sensor/valve cover leak that only occured after its last service. Will do complete fluids change, brakes need attention (new front discs?), chain and sprockets etc etc.

Re: ZX12 electrical issue

Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2011 2:46 pm
by Jonno
Get a maintenance charger plugged in if your not using it often.

I haven't got around to it yet but I have a solar panel to put up on the roof and will run a few leads to the bikes from the reg.

Re: ZX12 electrical issue

Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 9:12 am
by Warezwana
So if a battery is not supplying +12V it wont start?
I am now getting starting issues on my old girl and my meter showed 11.7V, my guess was the battery had given it up as once I clutch start it it goes ok till a stall then back to clicking. I also jumped off the car battery and it started no problems at all that way.

Re: ZX12 electrical issue

Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 11:24 am
by Supafrog
Warezwana, that sound slike a dead battery if it's only at 11.7,,,

Funnily enough.. I had this problem not long ago...

Bought and installed both trickle charger and a new battery.. and haven't needed the trickle charger since new battery!

:kuda:

Re: ZX12 electrical issue

Posted: Sat Oct 29, 2011 8:25 pm
by Gosling1
Supafrog wrote:.... and haven't needed the trickle charger since new battery!......
no surprise there - as long as the charging system on the bike is working well, external charging is pretty much superfluous....

8)

Re: ZX12 electrical issue

Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 1:50 pm
by Supafrog
It's just insurance....

Like carrying wet weather gear when you have limited luggage space...

If you have it packed... You wont need it...
.. but that one day you think you wont need it......

Re: ZX12 electrical issue

Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 8:30 pm
by Gosling1
I hate carrying wet weather gear - its bound to rain if you do !! :lol: :lol:

The 12 is just about to come off the road for a while - getting some new bodywork and some engine maintenance (clearances, balance that sort of thing) - might even get rid of the KLEEN system as well while I am at it......and maybe even shout the old girl a nice new zorst.

While it is off the road though - one of those trickle-chargers will be used.

8)