Laid it over gentle, now won't turn over..

[Joel750T]

Went out at lunch and got a digital multimeter. Getting different results with it compared to the old meter. Old meter is getting the same it was so garbage time.

With new meter:
Battery is 12.72 with key off
Battery is 12.25 with light on
Battery is 12.18 While the starter button is pressed and goes back to 12.72 instantly when key is turned off.

Solenoid is 12.5 with the light off
Solenoid is 12.02 with the light on
Solenoid jumps back to previous values instantly after starter button is pressed.

Any suggestions on exactly how to check if current is getting to the starter when key is pressed?


I have the old battery I took out of it 2 months ago on charge now to swap it out and test that result.

Koolaid_Kid - Any idea if I can do the current test with the new multimeter or is that a specialized box?

[Calvin Blackmore]

Went out at lunch and got a digital multimeter. Getting different results with it compared to the old meter. Old meter is getting the same it was so garbage time.

With new meter:
Battery is 12.72 with key off
Battery is 12.25 with light on
Battery is 12.18 While the starter button is pressed and goes back to 12.72 instantly when key is turned off.

Solenoid is 12.5 with the light off
Solenoid is 12.02 with the light on
Solenoid jumps back to previous values instantly after starter button is pressed.

Any suggestions on exactly how to check if current is getting to the starter when key is pressed?


Koolaid_Kid - Any idea if I can do the current test with the new multimeter or is that a specialized box?

I say remove the plugs and jump the darned thing
just for the hell of it
consider it an early christmas gift for me.

being new you may not know we all have a massive and obligatory exchange amongst members.

[Joel750T]

Absolutely! Bought the 18mm spark plug wrench today as well (along with 1/2" impact wrench, bless you Harbor Freight). Will be pulling plugs and playing "spin the dunlop" to see what shoots out once my kid goes to bed.

Can I jump it off my truck, with the truck off, or will I just add more sizzle to my life? That's why I am chargeing up that old battery i took out...

[Calvin Blackmore]

Absolutely! Bought the 18mm spark plug wrench today as well (along with 1/2" impact wrench, bless you Harbor Freight). Will be pulling plugs and playing "spin the dunlop" to see what shoots out once my kid goes to bed.

Can I jump it off my truck, with the truck off, or will I just add more sizzle to my life? That's why I am chargeing up that old battery i took out...

well do not run the vehicle
i myself would remove it formt he vehicle just as a precaution
but i am scared of electricity

[Joel750T]

Pulled the plugs, they all looked good, and were dry. Spun the tire in second gear, nothing shot out, no weird sound Tried to turn it over with existing battery, same outcome. Backup battery still on charger.

Another question. I have one of those portable "jumper boxes" that says it is 500 amps that I used for my old truck. Can I use that to rule out the battery or is it too much juice?

[bonanzadave]

I have one of those portable "jumper boxes" that says it is 500 amps that I used for my old truck. Can I use that to rule out the battery or is it too much juice?

Id try it.....

Have you checked all the fuses ?

Did you try to push start it ?

[Joel750T]

Just hit it with the jump box, no difference.

I did not try and push start it yet. I have the perfect driveway for it, looks like the stock market last year. Problem is enlisting neighbors to help me push it back up...again. If I try it, do it in second gear?

None of the fuses appear blown. I will retest for conductivity across each blade. Would the starter be on a different fuse than the solenoid?

Given the voltages on the solenoid, along with the loud bang it makes, is that ruled out now as the culprit or is there another test? I guess next thing downstream is the starter? Most of the threads I have been searching seem to have the opposite problem, solenoid not clicking, jumpering them fires the starter. This seems to be about the only problem not covered on BassCliff's treasure trove...

[Calvin Blackmore]

Just hit it with the jump box, no difference.

I did not try and push start it yet. I have the perfect driveway for it, looks like the stock market last year. Problem is enlisting neighbors to help me push it back up...again. If I try it, do it in second gear?

None of the fuses appear blown. I will retest for conductivity across each blade. Would the starter be on a different fuse than the solenoid?

Given the voltages on the solenoid, along with the loud bang it makes, is that ruled out now as the culprit or is there another test? I guess next thing downstream is the starter? Most of the threads I have been searching seem to have the opposite problem, solenoid not clicking, jumpering them fires the starter. This seems to be about the only problem not covered on BassCliff's treasure trove...

if it is the starter man what an evil coincidence.

[Joel750T]

yeah, something is funny here. Learning a lot about the bike though, and the kind hearted citizens of the internet. Thanks for your patience guys.

Not sure if my troubleshooting logic is correct here, but if the solenoid is working, it should send juice to the starter correct? I put the red probe on the connection bolt on the starter, black on the handlebars (lacking a prehensile tail and all) after verifying that it was a good ground with 12.6 readings from battery with same location. Mashed starter button, and much like Mr Blutarski, i scored a 0.00 on the multimeter. There is not the slightest vibration in the starter when the button is hit. I would think if the starter croaked, I would get something, voltage, a click, a hum, a grind, anything at all?

[Joel750T]

Never mind. Something must have been amuk. Reran the test after reviewing the wiring diagram again (thanks BassCliff). Got 12v to starter, grounded to the handlebars with starter pressed, 0 when not.

I guess that means the starter burned up? Any other ideas? Can I go aftermarket if so? Bikebandit says $400 for OEM. Any "replacing the starter tutorials" floating out there?

[GSX550]

Just pull the starter and dissassemble it. 2 screws hold the thing together. Pull it apart and clean it up, then reassemble and test it while it is out of the bike. Positive on the post, negative grounded to the body of the starter. Place your boot on top so it doesn't roll away. If the bushes aren't all burnt away, just clean up the contacts and you should be alright.

[SqDancerLynn1]

Take your jump box and put the ground on the engine and Touch the + to the heavy cable that goes from the starter to the solenoid. If the starter doesn't turn ? The starter is dead

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Just one more thought. Sometimes the solenoid doesn't work because it's not properly grounded. Clean the connections and make sure it is grounded to the frame.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Joel750T]

Jumper box has a connection sensor on it so it wouldn't throw a charge to it, but hooked up the backup battery directly and nothing, negative to the footpeg and verified with the meter I had 12.6. I did get some early 4th of July action when I accidentally touched the starter housing with the positive pulling it off.

Can I just undo the two long screws and take the starter apart that way to check these brushes? Any tricks to get at the bottom one??? (No clue what I am doing or looking for by the way with the brushes, but I am sure there is something out there on google). I don't have a spare gasket laying around for the side cover, so if I can get away without it for a spot check inside the starter that would be great.

[Calvin Blackmore]

my starter can be removed carbs in but requires the chain tensioner to be removed

i dont think you will need a gasket

guys could the starter clutch be binding here?