Won't Start after Washing

[hesselgr]

I have a strange problem that I can't seem to solve.
I have a 2000 Nomad FI and when I wash it when its cold or it sits in the rain and has cooled off it doesn't want to start.
If I leave it for about 15 minutes after washing (at home not a car wash) it will then start. If I go to a car wash to clean the bike when away from home and the engine is warm this problem does not happen. (yes I am careful with the hose at home and at the car wash) I cover the switches including the ignition switch with tape to prevent water from getting in as well.
I have gone over every electrical connection and used contact grease to waterproof the connections but to no avail.
I am beginning to think there is a sensor or something somewhere that is the problem.
I have checked the spark plug boots and there is no moisture there either.
Anyone else have this problem. Sucks when on the road and it rains overnight. If I boost the battery from my sons bike is will eventually start.

[rolfe]

After reading a few articles what I picked up was.

1. Moisture getting in connections inside the headlight. grounding out

2. Same thing for the Kill Switch.

3. Same thing for the Kick Stand Switch.

4. Same thing for Ignition Coils.

Water is grounding out your electrical.

I sure appreciate your post as my bike turns 15 this new year.

Did some work on it this weekend and did see some Green on a electrical connection.

Guess I should "De-oxit"

[MAS Tequila]

Your plug wires are shot.

After 14 years the insulation has broken down and water is getting in.

Also check you plug boots. You probably are getting water in plug tunnel and they are grounding out.

BTDT

MT

[VulcanE]

+1 on what Mas said ^ ^ ^

[ringadingh]

Replace the plug wires & caps as mentioned, it will make a huge difference.

[duffy]

I have an 05' 1500 (I've had it since 08') and both times I've washed it (cold both times) it would not restart for about 1/2 an hour. I now just use lemon Pledge to clean it. Starts every time.

[Silent Sam]

Check those "plug tunnels" if they drain slow...BINGO !
...(Warm ones will evap. the water out faster !) Good Luck...

[cnc]

I agree with Mas. Run your bike spraying water on the plug wires from a pump spray bottle and see if the motor starts to miss or break up. Also you could run it at night and move the leads around with an insulated screw driver looking for arcing.

[roadhawg]

How many times have I said "I dont wash my bike with water????
This proves my point!
I use to have this same problem.
Also putting dielectric grease on plug connections is supposed to help.
I clean my bike with pledge no water on my bike!

[toogun]

Originally Posted by MAS Tequila

Your plug wires are shot.

After 14 years the insulation has broken down and water is getting in.

Also check you plug boots. You probably are getting water in plug tunnel and they are grounding out.

BTDT

MT

I would have thought this as well, however that doesn't explain why it would start okay when warm and wet but not when cold and wet...unless I'm missing something.

[MAS Tequila]

It cooks the water off when warm.

I had the same problem, and after changing the wires and caps and using copious amounts of di-electric grease, have not had an issue.

MT

Originally Posted by toogun

I would have thought this as well, however that doesn't explain why it would start okay when warm and wet but not when cold and wet...unless I'm missing something.

[toogun]

Originally Posted by MAS Tequila

It cooks the water off when warm.

I had the same problem, and after changing the wires and caps and using copious amounts of di-electric grease, have not had an issue.

MT

Oh....the obvious, so much for my problem solving skills!

[cnc]

Originally Posted by roadhawg

How many times have I said "I dont wash my bike with water????
This proves my point!
I use to have this same problem.
Also putting dielectric grease on plug connections is supposed to help.
I clean my bike with pledge no water on my bike!

Bandaid solution, your bikes didn't come from the factory allergic to water.
At one point as the problem progresses over time, it will leave you on the side of the road in the rain.

[roadhawg]

Originally Posted by cnc

Bandaid solution, your bikes didn't come from the factory allergic to water.
At one point as the problem progresses over time, it will leave you on the side of the road in the rain.

To each thier own...
But Like I have said so many times before, Water has a way of finding very mysterious ways of getting into weird places, so go ahead get out your pressure washer and wash away.......

[flavor]

HMMMMM!!!

I say don't wash it. LOL