Comin' on back!

[Daeouse]

Well, it's been a while, but I'm making a comeback!
This Friday I'll be looking at an 81 GL1100 and possibly bringing it home.
The current owner states it needs work, but runs. He claims it needs a bump-start to get going, so the starter might be toast.
If/when I go and buy it and bring it home, I'll start a thread about it and go from there.

Any advice on getting an old starter to show signs of life? Anything I should look for to be wary of? I know to check oil, tires, fluids, brakes, cables, and lights. Anything else?

 

[mcgovern61]

Many times it is actually the starter relay that has failed. If the relay is ok, then check the ground wire. If that is ok and it is still cranking really slow (or not at all) you might need to rebuild the starter. If you get to that point, I have a GL1100 original starter already rebuilt using a Stockers kit.

 

[Daeouse]

Many times it is actually the starter relay that has failed. If the relay is ok, then check the ground wire. If that is ok and it is still cranking really slow (or not at all) you might need to rebuild the starter. If you get to that point, I have a GL1100 original starter already rebuilt using a Stockers kit.

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Thank you very much for the information! I may just get one in advance to save me the trouble...

 

[julimike54]

Welcome back

 

[kerryb]

Welcome back. There is one other trouble spot to check when working on the starter. The ground connection is the mounting boss where the bolts go through. When you pull the starter, make sure to clean the starter body and the engine case where they meet. After a new battery and cleaning/regreasing, and new brushes, the starter still groaned like a dead battery...cleaned the mounting bosses and the problem was solved!
I'll be in Palm coast in January if you need help, it would be a good excuse for a long wing ride.