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Power to starter, BUT...

  • Thread starter Thread starter slowpokezuki
  • Start date Start date
S

slowpokezuki

Guest
I have an 80 GS750L, which I have been chasing an electrical issue since I got it. I now officially have power all the way to the starter (I believe I have tested accurately all the way, but DEFINATELY now at the starter). But, when I attempt to start...NOTHING. I have previously posted about this, as I am wanting to determine my engine isn't locked...and a gentleman suggested as a last resort hooking my charger straight to the starter, just to get it to turn over...SO, I finally just tried it...NOTHING!!!!! WHAT THE HECK AM I MISSING??? I am now headed to the local Suzuki shop to order a small part, and witness for myself that there are actually running bikes out there!!! LOL

Another small bit of info that may be helpful...I am an electrical idiot, and this is my first venture on a bike in 25 years.
 
I am new to electrical also but I recently had a similar problem. First make sure your battery is fully charged you would be amazed by how many problems that could make you think you have. Then check all your ground connections start with that make sure you starter relay is good and the ground for it is also
 
Your post describes a bad stater motor, but if your concerned about it (engine) being locked up, you can remove the crank sidecover and put a ratchet on the nut and turn it, or, push the bike and see if letting the clutch out in gear will turn over the motor.
 
propflux01 said:
Your post describes a bad stater motor, but if your concerned about it (engine) being locked up, you can remove the crank sidecover and put a ratchet on the nut and turn it, or, push the bike and see if letting the clutch out in gear will turn over the motor.
Click to expand...

I was concerned with starter..but as I have much more knowledge of cars, I expected an audible click or some sort of noise! I did attempt to push it, and it appeared to bump, but as I have a bad back tire (won't hold air) and an inclined drive way, I can't push it very far!!! LOL

Another question...I have read a couple of things referring to a clutch override on some bikes...would mine have it, and if so, where is it located? Thanks, and sorry for the dump questions!!
 
Make sure ground to starter is good, too. Did you check the voltage to the starter with your digital multimeter (DMM)?



I am going to check this out right now...thanks!!!
 
Take off the round ignition cover and try to turn the engine with a 19mm wrench or socket.
Do this first!
 
Pull out the starter and apply 12V to the stud while grounding the body and see if it spins

There is no ground for the starter, it grounds to the engine cases (check the ground to the cases)

Starters generally crud up and need new brushes - if it doesn't spin, take it apart and clean it with electrical cleaner

And check your motor like Chef says

There is no "overrun" as such, sounds like you're talking about the starter clutch under the left side cover
 
If the clutch safety switch has not been overidden......pull in the clutch when you're trying to start it.

Mine "hangs up" from time to time and I have to pull in the clutch a couple times to get it to engage.:)
 
Mine had a bad switch in the clutch lever, found the wires in the headlight bucket and just eliminated the loop to the switch to disable the clutch switch. Always hated those things anyway. (until I accidently start it in gear someday):rolleyes:
 
Thanks for all the help, MANY great options!! Now I am going to be smart... just returned from Sears, bought an impact driver screwdriver. I will be removing my the cover and the starter...tear it down and clean it, then bench test it. Logic says, tearing it down and cleaning it is the best in the long run anyway!!!

I will update tomorrow.
 
How fortunate to stumble over this post! I'm new to this site and new to a GS which is having this problem. I bought an 85 GS450L a few weeks ago and it has been running great. Today after a stop, the starter won't go. I had to push start. Tonight it fired right up. Then the starter wouldn't try again. I'm sure it's wonky clutch related. But besides ignition, kill switch, and disengaged clutch, are there any other starter "controls or safeties" on this bike? Also, is there a step-by-step anywhere for taking the clutch-control business out of the ignition loop? Or pictures?

I so glad to see such an active forum for this awesome bike and glad to be a part of it. I'll have bike pics up as soon as I can size them to spec!
 
did a little more forum reading with various search keywords. I'll take the clutch safety loop out in the morning, but I have a few questions for this specific model (as I've found out a few of it's glaring differences): Does this 85 GS450L have the kickstand switch, and do I understand correctly that the clutch lever loop ought not matter if I'm starting in neutral? (I'm looking hard in my manual, but let me know if that info is in your head) I'm having this intermittent starter problem in gear and in neutral.
 
More than likely the connections for the clutch interlock switch is in the headlight bucket.
 
WildWings...good to have you and glad this thread helped (hopefully it will also help me!!!) Also cool to see another GS in DALLAS!!! We may have to get together and ride sometime, given I actually get mine ridable!! LOL
 
GS1100GK said:
All that stuff aside...

I would guess that your starter switch and kill switch need cleaned and the starter switch is making the intermittent contact problem. If your voltages are all okay at the battery and solenoid, that would be the first place I'd look.

When it gives you a problem, push down and wiggle your thumb around on the starter switch and see if it makes any difference. Sometimes it will, even with a corroded switch.

- JC
Click to expand...

Thanks for the Helpful info! Not being an electrical guy my first thought is usually rip wires out, not check them with voltmeter first! I'll do that and look for signs of corrosion. On the plus side, during this incident I found out I could push start this bike by myself in 40ft on flat road. :D
 
Well...MOTOR TURNS OVER FINE!!!! Finally had to use the 19mm on the bolt and do it manually...but it worked fine!!!
 
slowpokezuki said:
Well...MOTOR TURNS OVER FINE!!!! Finally had to use the 19mm on the bolt and do it manually...but it worked fine!!!
Click to expand...

Well that's good news !!

Do you still plan to remove the starter ? If you would, take some pics of your work and what you find to share with us all. Keep us informed.:)
 
Do you still plan to remove the starter ? If you would, take some pics of your work and what you find to share with us all. Keep us informed.:)[/QUOTE]

I did remove the starter...though now that I have it off...not sure what I am looking at!! LOL

As for the removal, it is quite simple. After removing the 2 small screws in the starter cover (no gasket on mine, so the junk inside could be an issue), you will encounter two 10mm bolts at the furthest point away from you. Clymers recommends removal of the carburators, but as I am adventurous, I decided to try the removal without taking off the carburators, and it is possible with a little wiggling and patience. When disassembling the starter, mine had alot of corrosion on the exterior, so I soaked the screws in PB Blaster, still very difficult to remove. Once inside, everything appears ok, but I don't know. Wanted to post pics...but memory card full from the kids birthday party...and I am not brave enough to delete anything!!
 
Ok, the girlfriend deleted some pics, so now I can post. Here are pics of the cradle where the starter sits, and the starter disassembled.
 
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