Very weird starting problem

[baz666]

Hello all,
I haven't been on the forum lately. Been having a blast riding my 83 GS750ESD everywhere all the time. It's been huge fun.
But a weird thing's cropped up. Lately, and only once a while, when I turn the key off, the starter keeps turning, but very slowly. I hit the kill switch and the starter keeps turning very slowly. It finally turns a few times REALLY slow and dies. Then the bike won't start without a boost. Give it a boost and it fires right up.
I've cleaned and reattached the battery cables, checked the wiring for any exposed copper and all seems fine.
Has anyone ever come across this?
I'm wondering if its the actually ignition key barrel. But why would it keep turning with the kill switch turned off? Strange.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
thanks,
baz

[simon kuether]

Starter solenoid contacts on the way out ??

Cheers , Simon .

[Steve]

Yep, sounds like the solenoid is sticking.

If it is turning the starter when the key is off, it is probably also keeping it running the entire time the engine is running. You need to clean or replace the solenoid as soon as possible.

Not all solenoids are capable of being opened up. If it is, look for grunge on the shaft that is preventing it from sliding like it should. If you need a new solenoid, go to Lowe's or Home Depot, look in the lawn tractor area and get one there. It is the same size and shape, and only about $15-20, compared to about $80 for a Suzuki item.

.

[baz666]

Thanks, guys. Really appreciate the heads up.
I have a spare solenoid off a Yam XJ650.
Do you think that would work?
They're the same size and shape.
thanks,
baz

[simon kuether]

Give it a go . If it cures the problem , you might want to check it's current rating before leaving it in there to long .
Good luck and let us know how you go .
Cheers , Simon .

[baz666]

I replaced the solenoid with the spare I had from my XJ650 and it clipped right into the GS. I tried starting the bike several times and no sign of the previous problem. In fact, it had begun to require I crank it for several seconds before the engine would kick over. Now, with the solenoid replaced, as soon as I hit the starter button, the bike fires up right away and idles cleanly (once it's warmed up). At idle (1200rpm) the battery reads 13.4
thanks for all the help,
baz

[simon kuether]

Well done .

Cheers , Simon .

[baz666]

Thank you thank you...
Now where do I find the emoticon of the little happy face taking a bow?

Anyway, thanks again, everyone. Another GS electrical niggle solved. More hugely fun riding forecast.