The trike has been running well for a while but let me down today.
It started from cold straight as always but after 15 mins or so spluttered to a stop. That sort of suggested a fuel issue but a shortage of tools where I was precluded an immediate carb clean so I thought no harm in taking the plug out and it was wet. Fresh plug started straight up and ran it for about 10 mins then cut out. Went through 5 spare plugs like this running for as much as 5 mins or little as 30secs, runtime becoming less each time and plug always coming out wet, producing a weak spark when spun over, and refusing to restart on the old plugs. I suspect the carb could do with a clean (time didn't allow) but I'm thinking the coil pack may be failing? Is there any way of testing without replacing?
The only thing different from previous rides is a new gel battery fitted yesterday but as the old battery was totally dead I can't believe this has any bearing on it not running.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
A quick lesson in how to feel stupid!
1, Buy a new battery.
2, Check old battery is dead (7v), no dash lights, no start.
3, Check new battery (13v).
4, Fit battery.
5, Try battery, no dash lights, no start.
6, Check battery (13v).
7, Remove battery and head off to supplier to complain.
8, Halfway to supplier, have a 'lightbulb' moment and return to trike shed.
9, Refit new battery, select neutral, dashlights come on, machine starts.
10, Doh!