starting problems

[ElDuderino]

Hey everyone,
Still trying to get my bike up to par but have been traveling for work quite a bit. On to my issue:

My starter switch stopped working (on the bars) so I checked the battery, its ok. I tested the output on the starter solenoid/magnetic relay and had 12.65 in and .02 out. I ordered a replacement and just installed it. Got it hooked up properly and bike still won't start with button. I took another reading and I am getting the same problem with the brand new part. If anyone can help please speak up or call me. I am tired of push starting or "jumping" the posts on the solenoid.

Thanks
Adam a.k.a. Dude
702-624-7074

 

[dan filipi]

Sounds like your not getting a ground for the solenoid.
Is the neutral light on?
If not try pulling the clutch in then hit the button.

 

[mcgovern61]

Starter solenoid stuck??? Whack it with a hammer and see if it works. Might need to replace the solenoid.

 

[ElDuderino]

neutral light is on, tried with kickstand up, clutch in, even checked wires leading to switch on bars. I can hear the relay activate when I press the button but starter not spinning (assuming to not enough power to it). Starter works fine when I jump the solenoid.

solenoid is brand new.

 

[mcgovern61]

Put a voltmeter on the solenoid wires to the starter and push the button. See if the voltage goes from 0 to 12.6. Could be the solenoid is still not working right.....since you mention that you can jump the solenoid.

 

[ElDuderino]

so my grandpa's voice popped in my head and said get a hammer...I smacked the starter itself and it started. I am assuming this means I need a new starter.

 

[dan filipi]

Probably just needs a good cleaning and new brushes.

 

[ElDuderino]

is there a topic on that already?

 

[dan filipi]

I don't think we have a topic yet but your welcome to document yours along the way.
I've done them just never took pictures.
Its pretty simple really.
Another choice is have a alternator shop rebuild it, runs about $75 here.

 

[ajclockga]

I had a similar problem on a 82.The push button needed cleaning.Used some contact cleaner on the switch internals.And wahla........vrume......vrume

 

[ajclockga]

If you are not getting 12v from the start button after cleaning.Check to see if you get 12v to the button.If not trace back from the start button to switched power.

 

[slabghost]

You might want to loosen and retighten the starter mount bolts. Starter is grounded by those.

 

[ElDuderino]

thanks for the help guys. I am going to pull the starter apart and see if I can contribute to the site with the step by step w/photos when I get back from the midwest at the end of November. For now its going to be a small whack from a hammer or steel toe boot.

 

[danf]

Beating it... :shock: Clean up your ground from the battery to the frame...Under that bolt on the frame...

 

[Joep]

My new solenoid burnt out when my starter hiccupped ( when clack and did not spin) .. I could start it by jumping the terminals like an old chevy..lol.. and replaced the solenoid and fires up okay.. could feel the starter solenoid hitting when button depressed but the internals burnt up... the new ones are not as sturdy has the originals ...

 

[ajclockga]

I had one do the same,went down to autozone.Got one for 67 ford truck.Its a heavier duty than gold wing oem.Cost 9.99.It has the same conections except for the 12v wire coming from the starter button.I replaced the end of the wire with a push on connector for a ford.And it worked perfect.Not oem.But then again it was half price of new one with a warranty.I have even replaced the manual fuel pump with a electric one,made a plate to cover the fuel pump mounting hole.Autozone carries a universal one with 2-4 psi.One year warranty for 34.99.Mounts almost anywhere.

 

[ajclockga]

There are quite a few parts on my old 82 that was made for auto's.Even more on a Suzuki Cavalcade.Had a car tire on rear,The same fuel pump,VW fuse block,Factory ford stereo w/cd changer.Improvise,Adapt,and Overcome.

 

[danf]

I also have a ford solenoid off a ford truck, I read about it a while back and liked the idea and that it's a good stury part....It's been on the bike at least 3 years now..Never failed once..Can you post a photo of the fuel pump and do they make a chrome cover for it as an accessory do you know...thanks

 

[ajclockga]

No chrome cover.I hid mine behind the side cover.Used a 1/4 flat steel cut the shape of the fuel pump hole as blocking plate.Was going to chrome plate that but never did.Just painted it Aluminum.This pump cuts off if it builds up pressure.Used it 6 months no problem.Then sold bike.And as far as I know its still going.Amazon has it for 35.Just google a mr gasket electric fuel pump.They make 2.One is 2-7 psi,the other is for fuel injection,not sure of the psi.