Problems with Ducati S2R 800

[g0alkeeper]

My 2007 Ducati S2R 800 is having serious starting trouble after years of intermittent issues and now it will not fire up at all.

I have always suspected the common fuel pump wiring or loose connection problem since it's an older bike and then recently, I had to use starting fluid to get it going before it stopped completely and then I made a big mistake by overfilling the oil by two quarts. I rode it a block before it sputtered and died, acting like it ran out of fuel which was probably related to the overfilled oil.

I drained the oil to a normal level but now it only runs for a second when I spray starting fluid into the intake. I checked all the fuses and even pulled the fuel pump assembly out of the tank. When I turn the key, the pump does make a sound so it is getting power but I am not sure if it is pumping with enough pressure. Could the pump still be bad even if it makes noise and spins or is there a chance the overfilled oil caused another issue that is keeping it from running now?

 

[jeeperkeeps]

Clear sign you have an immediate fuel starvation issue. The noise just means the motor is spinning, not that it's actually delivering the right pressure or volume of gas to the injectors. Pump assembly or its aging wiring was likely already failing. The oil overfill was a separate problem and it probably stalled the engine due to crankcase pressure or aeration but once drained, it's highly unlikely to be the reason it won't run now. You need to confirm the fuel pressure at the rail.

 

[MasterMonster]

My 2007 Ducati S2R 800 is having serious starting trouble after years of intermittent issues and now it will not fire up at all.

I have always suspected the common fuel pump wiring or loose connection problem since it's an older bike and then recently, I had to use starting fluid to get it going before it stopped completely and then I made a big mistake by overfilling the oil by two quarts. I rode it a block before it sputtered and died, acting like it ran out of fuel which was probably related to the overfilled oil.

I drained the oil to a normal level but now it only runs for a second when I spray starting fluid into the intake. I checked all the fuses and even pulled the fuel pump assembly out of the tank. When I turn the key, the pump does make a sound so it is getting power but I am not sure if it is pumping with enough pressure. Could the pump still be bad even if it makes noise and spins or is there a chance the overfilled oil caused another issue that is keeping it from running now?

I agree with @jeeperkeeps that a pump making noise is not proof of correct pressure and that the overfilled oil is a separate issue you've mostly resolved by draining.. it's not the reason it won't fire now. Stop using starting fluid and instead check the fuel pressure. If you don't see 40-60 PSI when priming, the assembly needs replacement. Fix the pressure, and the bike will likely start!

 

[Alan]

Check spark plugs and air filter for possible oil damage and clean or replace it as needed.
If you clean the plugs and air filter, and the bike still only runs on starter fluid, your problem is almost certainly a low-pressure fuel pump or a bad internal harness.