1991 Yamaha XV Virago 535 not starting

[Rob B]

Hi all

I'm having a problem with a Yamaha XV Virago 535 and hope someone can help? I started it up last Saturday for the first time in well over a month. I ran it for 5 minutes and apart from running a little fast, it didn't seem to have any problems. I tried to restart after 10 minutes or so but had no joy.

The battery is fine and it turns over but fails to start. I've checked the plugs which both seem good and spark well (no fuel or oil seen) They had a little soot on them but nothing to bad and have been cleaned. There is fuel in the tank and the pump seems to be working fine. I've stripped one of the carbs the best I could whilst still attached and it looks clean but I didn't fully remove from the fame, the pump refilled it after I put it back together so there is fuel getting into them. I can't hear the pump working when I'm turning it over so I'm assuming no fuel is leaving them. Can anyone help?

[jaffa90]

From what you say the carbs need removing and cleaning and an inline fuel filter fitting.

[faffergotgunz]

In the process of selling mine. Starts on the button but last week it did have a moment. I was doing the usual thing of blipping the throttle, it didnt seem to like it this time and started after around 6 tries of the start (no throttle).

There is a Virago facebook page which will help you out. Search 'virago nation all things virago'.

Make sure the battery isnt have dead and maybe give it a few goes with/without choke/with and without throttle. Give it breaks between so you dont fry the starter. Guys on facebook would probably get you to clean the jets out next if the spark is good.

Not much help but thats where I would go...

Now run quickly before the power rangers find this thread and beat you with their tae kwon do!
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[charlie74]

k, so you started it after a month, and it ran fine for a few mins..

how long since it was last run out on the road? and how old would you say the fuel in the tank was?

gut feeling is that it hasn't been run over winter and was "possibly" last out at easter. so that fuel might have been sat there for 5-6 months?

I would try changing the fuel and cleaning the carbs as best you can, see If that cures it

[Rob B]

Thank you for your replies it's been really helpful.

It was run once or twice over the winter but not for long. I've confirmed that fuel is getting in to the Carbs but as I can't hear the pump refilling them (knowing that the pump is working), I'm assuming it's not leaving. I'm going to drain both tanks and change the fuel, strip the Carbs down, clean and overhaul them this week. I'm also going to put an inline filter in.

Has anyone got anymore thoughts?

[talkToTheHat]

When you turn the key the fuel pump should cycle for a few seconds then stop. If it doesn't it's likely a sign of an electrical fault (killswitch), get a multimeter and look under the right bugeye. Haynes may be of help.

If the starter motor can be heard but the engine doesn't turn over (check this) then you have the infamous virago starter clutch fail.

Coils and the short leads connecting them to loom are very vulnerable to water, check you have a good spark and break out the wd40 if there is trouble. Look above the front cylinder head under the airbox.
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[Rob B]

Thanks for your reply

I can only hear the fuel pump working if I disconnect the fuel line (fuel is then pumped out) I can't hear anything when I turn the key.

The starter motor seems to be working but it still will not fire up.

Where would you recomend starting?

[sickpup]

[faffergotgunz]

I used to hear the fuel pump clicking. Same with my fzr now when I turn the key.
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[sickpup]

[faffergotgunz]

Fzr600 genesis. Pump clicks for 2-3 seconds roughly first start of the day.
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[talkToTheHat]