Cold start solenoids on switch?

[phatnomad]

I read once, somewhere, that someone had put there cold start solenoids on a switch so they could turn them on for cold weather and off for warm weather. Has anyone here done that (Caddman)? Thanks for the help.

[macmac]

I never read that... Mine are just gone and out of the way of air flow.. I live in New Hamshire, and had a hard frost for the 3rd time this morning which was like yesterday morning, and I rode out 100 miles yesterday and might again today as the leaves are changing.

I have no start up issue what so ever.

On edit, as I was too hasty.

If I had these solenoids on the bike and wanted to switch them, I would break ground and add a switch somewhere in line that way. No other any part needed... The switch could be mounted on the backing plate near the solenoids too.

[bobzinger]

I removed my solenoids and put on a 9"X2" K&N, but didn't like the way the bike ran around town and the intake noise was too loud for me.

[blowndodge]

I think it would be easier to just take off the right side cover in the winter and plug them back in and then unplug them in the warmer months. Thats what I do so I don't need to pretend I'm a wiring genius! One air cover bolt unplug or plug in,,,, done...

[macmac]

Why would any one want them off in summer and on in winter? There is more O ² in winter at ground level in the first place.

It seems to me if you had these on the bike and wanted by-passed air in the first place for more air, then it would be in summer you wanted more anyway.

I took them off and have no problem with cold starts and or low idle and now even where in the mornings there is ice to be scraped off a car windshield..

Each ISC valve is isolated from ground, and so has 2 wires each, one of which is it's ground. It don't take a rocket scientist to 'break ground ' with a toggle switch.

[Todd]

Because in the summer months these bikes generally start right up and idle fine with the warmer ambient temperature without the need of the ICS's or a warm up period..........and in the winter, when the ambient temps are cooler, without the benefit of the ICS working, they tend to not want to run until sufficiently warmed up, at least not without the aid of opening the throttle a bit by some means.

For my input, I would not go to the trouble to "switch" the grounds on the ICS's ..... I would just make sure I had a minute or two to sit there with the throttle opened with the throttle lock a little, or use the so-called "choke" knob to advance the idle up a bit until warmed.

[dantama]

Originally Posted by macmac

It don't take a rocket scientist to 'break ground ' with a toggle switch.

It's all a matter of degree.

I've never done a thing with wires that wasn't a major project. And I've done many that ended with some black tape trying to put things back how they were. It's all rocket science to me.

Then again, I can lay out a set of stair jacks no problem. Some things that are rocket science for some, are a piece of cake for others.

I'd have heated grips right now, and a brake modulator, if I didn't have to wire them. :)

[blowndodge]

I agree Todd. I've never heard of an engine lighting off easier in the winter months because the colder air contained more O2. Fuel atomization is far less efficient when the ambient temp is real cold. This is why a very cold morning engines tend to "stumble" a bit on start up. The selonids are there to overcome this on cold mornings.

As mac said, most people get by fine without them...per Todd's instructions.

[Todd]

You could put a block warmer on your Nomad BD


Oh, that's right...you don't ride when it's under 70 degrees

[blowndodge]

or over 80 a$$wipe!!!!

[macmac]

In New Hampster we get -50 below, but I won't ride then.... My bikes go to bed at first SALT.

I can build stairs the right way, and frame up, and do lots of things like sew my own clothing.

So i wire up things too.. And your right, what I can do I can do, and so I forget others are not as accustomed. I get paid to sort this stuff out.

One nightmare I had a long time ago was a old Willy's wired in yellow. I mean ever wire was the same yellow to everything. Even the ground wires in a custom stainless steel dash were yellow and this rig had gauges.. lots of them. What it did was kill a battery over night. I did the tests and pulled the fuses and it still drew. I found the problem just the same.

I don't have heated grips, and if i did I would add a fuse box and build that circuit from the battery.
I do have a brake light modulater, that flashes the brake 3 times quick and then is ON so long as a brake is on. The modual is in line on the brake signal wire and the modual lives under the seat.

I wouldn't switch the ISC's either, but I took them out.. As of late I get 34 degrees F above, and my bike goes Boom on start and I hold a little grip backing out of the barn. By the time I get turned 90 degrees the bike is ready for the next 1/2 mile on dirt.

By the time that happens it is ready for light throttle and pavement. I run it easy warming the oil, gears and suspention, tires too.. A few hard weaves help rid the tread of rocks, and then I am gone.. maybe it helps me knowing what is going on inside the engine and it's related systems.

A big help is the Shumaker auto charger. I have another bike that hates cold.. I heat tha one up when it is under just +40 with a 500 watts work lamp, but it is vintage.

I live in the sticks, and have forever. I make most of what I want, and like it better than what I can buy. Some of what I make earns me a few bucks. I might not be the brightest bulb in the shed, but I don't have to be since I start fire with a bow drill.

The original poster was wishing to add switches, and if I were going to add any to the ISC's I would break ground. Simple as that.

[blowndodge]

I agree if you just had to have a switch.....

Mac,,, you sew your own clothing??? Todd.............are you listening?????

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Blowndodge "Darksider"

or over 80 a$$wipe!!!!

ROFLMAO...ya killin' me............I know better...I saw pics of you riding in hellish heat this summer at the Rally

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Blowndodge "Darksider"

I agree if you just had to have a switch.....

Mac,,, you sew your own clothing??? Todd.............are you listening?????

Hell, I don't even buy my own clothing

[blowndodge]

I couldn't have been more miserable on my bike that trip than if I had a picture of you glued to the inside of my windshield!!!!!