ride, die, wait, repeat....again

[94627]

My '97 R11RS strands me after 15 minutes on the road. It just dies.
When I try to restart it idles for several seconds and dies again. While it is idling if I crack the throttle it dies immediately. If I let it sit for a half-hour+ it starts like nothing is wrong only to die again in another 10 or 20 minutes.....ride, die, wait, repeat. First try....I replaced the fuel filter and did the canisterectomy. All to no avail. Does anybody recognize the symptoms. Ideas? Can anybody recommend a good oilhead independent mechanic in New York metro area. No local dealer can even look at it for the next 3 weeks.

thanks....bert
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[MCMXCIVRS]

Sounds like a failing hall effect sensor or a bad ignition coil. Most likely the hall sensor as that is a common issue at your bikes age.

[kgadley01]

not from a BMW point of view, but more from a general internal combustion engine point of view... I would check your coil!!!

[DarrylRi]

Or, your charcoal cannister may be plugged, creating a vacuum in the gas tank. The next time it happens, try to open the gas cap. Do not do this while sitting on the bike, and be prepared for the possibility of gas to come out of the tank. A hint might be to look at the juncture where the tank meets the side panels, the RS's plastic tank can be sucked in, away from where it should meet the side panel.

The cannister can become plugged when raw fuel makes its way there. This can happen from overfilling the tank or if the bike has fallen over. There are two solutions, a new cannister, or a cannisterectomy.

[SIBUD]

I hope to be able to ride again after I die. :laugh

Sorry just couldn't resist reading your post based on the title.

You are getting good advice from those who know more than I do.

Now back to your regularly scheduled answers. :lurk

[alien_hitchhiker]

Did the problem start after you did the canisterectomy? If so, consider Daryl's suggestion of a fuel tank vacuum & open the fuel cap, as he descibes.

Since you've already removed the canister (Daryl must have missed that), the problem would obviously not be related to a plugged canister, but could still be related to obstruction (kink or plug) of the tank vent line.

Sure would be cheaper to remedy than a bad coil - though the classic coil failure fits your description - good when it's cold, bad when it's hot.

[DarrylRi]

Did the problem start after you did the canisterectomy? If so, consider Daryl's suggestion of a fuel tank vacuum & open the fuel cap, as he descibes.

Since you've already removed the canister (Daryl must have missed that), the problem would obviously not be related to a plugged canister, but could still be related to obstruction (kink or plug) of the tank vent line.

Sure would be cheaper to remedy than a bad coil - though the classic coil failure fits your description - good when it's cold, bad when it's hot.

I did indeed miss that. I'm on the road and have been trying to follow the forum when I have the chance.

[kbasa]

Test your hall sensor.

I bet that's your problem.

[94627]

The canister was removed after the problem began.

I opened the gas cap immediately after the bike quit and tried to restart the engine without success.

Thanks for the lead on the Hall Effect Sensor and ignition coil. I have found helpful DIY advice online and will attempt gather what's needed to check ignition and troubleshoot the hall effect sensor. Hay, I feel better already....I have a direction and the hope that my almostly trusty steed will respond to more focused attention and a cash infusion. Thanks

[rocketman]

I hope to be able to ride again after I die. :laugh

Sorry just couldn't resist reading your post based on the title.

You are getting good advice from those who know more than I do.

Now back to your regularly scheduled answers. :lurk

Ha Ha! Thats was my first impression too, is it the bike or rider being referred too! :doh

Don't know much about Hall sensors but I do know coils can work when cold and fail as they get hot, if you had some way of checking the coil's resistance after it gets hot to see if it "opens" that might be worth it.

RM