Page 1 of 2

Starting problem

Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2016 9:02 am
by mcferreira100
I am getting a consistent distinct click from the solenoid behind RH sidecover when trying to start..but motor not turning over. This after charging the battery..bike started fine just 3 days ago. Do I need to replace solenoid?

Re: Starting problem

Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2016 11:24 am
by tevan
Check connections and voltage at battery. 12.7 volts..does headlight come on good and strong?

Re: Starting problem

Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2016 11:38 am
by Larry Zimmer
Quick check of your battery: If you have a voltmeter, try connecting it directly across the battery terminals at the battery. When cranking, the voltage should not drop below 11 volts. Maybe, 10+ range. If it goes lower than 10, you have a battery problem. Otherwise, start looking for loose connections and/or connections with corrosion. One way to sort this out would be to put the voltmeter across the starter terminals after you have done the above battery terminal check. Voltage a cross the starter should be essentially the same as across the battery when cranking. :handgestures-fingerscrossed:

Re: Starting problem

Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2016 7:43 am
by mcferreira100
Connected a multimeter..got a reading of 54..this did not drop when hitting starter button. Also lights still strong. Surely this points to faulty solenoid?

Re: Starting problem

Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2016 12:23 pm
by Larry Zimmer
PM sent

Re: Starting problem

Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2016 7:29 am
by mcferreira100
Ok..got some advice from someone in the know. He reckons starter motor brushes probably gone..so gonna go the route of getting starter out and getting it overhauled. This bike done 66500kms probably without starter ever getting attention.

Re: Starting problem

Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2016 6:34 pm
by NobleHops
mcferreira100 wrote:Ok..got some advice from someone in the know. He reckons starter motor brushes probably gone..so gonna go the route of getting starter out and getting it overhauled. This bike done 66500kms probably without starter ever getting attention.
It's an easy rebuild, and the kit to do so is cheap ($20ish). I wrote it up here:

viewtopic.php?f=21&t=8972

N.

Re: Starting problem

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 6:30 am
by mcferreira100
Anything I should know or can catch me out when getting this starter out? Never done it before and manual not very descriptive about removal.

Re: Starting problem

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 7:38 am
by steve murdoch icoa #5322
An old thread but the info is still good on removing the starter.
A couple ways to deal with the chain guard tab that will get in the way.
viewtopic.php?f=21&t=886&p=4139&hilit=s ... oval#p4139

Re: Starting problem

Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2016 1:45 pm
by mcferreira100
Did a test which paid off..rolled the bike in gear which then turned motor over just enough after which starter got it swinging. Eventually got bike started. Think this eliminates the solenoid and points to starter cause after I tried to start again, just got weird noises from starter.

Re: Starting problem

Posted: Mon Mar 07, 2016 2:27 pm
by steve murdoch icoa #5322
What sort of noises are you hearing?
Hopefully it is not the starter clutch.
Is it a metal on metal, metal slipping or not engaging?
I would still deal with the starter itself first and with any luck find your problem there.

Re: Starting problem

Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2016 1:34 pm
by mcferreira100
So have done the starter..brushes were only a third worn so just cleaned up. New battery in there..could not get AGM so its a Gel battery..charged for 7hrs before installing. Starting still sluggish. What`s next in starting system..starter clutch..wiring?

Re: Starting problem

Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2016 4:36 pm
by daves79x
So now are you saying that the starter is not spinning the engine very fast or that seems OK but the bike is still taking a long time to fire up? It is also very common for one of the windings (rotor or stator) to be bad in the starter and no amount of work will make it better. Cheaper to buy a rebuilt/new starter.

Dave

Re: Starting problem

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2016 4:42 am
by mcferreira100
Starter hardly spinning engine at all..really battling.

Re: Starting problem

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2016 7:04 am
by mcferreira100
Just gonna charge old battery up and try that to see if not battery issue.