83 GS1100E Starter Woes.....

[Guest]

Hello:

I hit "search" and could not find my answer.

Took the bike out yesterday and the starter would not engage - I had to bump start to get going. When I got home, I removed the Stator cover and the Starter cover. I then ensured that all was OK, and now I only get a "click" when I hit the starter.

And when I shut down yesterday, I heard something still spinning by the starter even after the engine was off.

Do I need a new starter?

Thanks.

[cowboyup3371]

What other maintenance have you done to the electrical system? Do you have a fully charged battery? What voltage are you putting out when the key is on as it could be too low to properly engage things?

Check that and ensure all of your electrical connections are properly cleaned then let us know what you find.

[Steve]

If you heard the starter still spinning, it sounds more like the solenoid is stuck.

Tap on the solenoid to see if it will release, then see if you can duplicate the problem.

If it does turn out to be a stuck solenoid, get a new one from the garden tractor department at Lowe's, Home Depot or Auto Zone. Same size, it bolts right in, and is about 1/4 the cost.

.

[koolaid_kid]

I picked one up at Lowe's last year. It was around $15 plus tax. TSC had one for around $17 plus. Works like a charm.

[CCM911]

Thanks!! I'll keep it on the charger for another day and see what happens. I am positive that it has to do with the solenoid. I will let you know what it was when I figure it out.

[7981GS]

I have a few stock solenoids to spare.
$10.00 each shipped in the CONTUS.
PM for details and pic's.

Daniel

[CCM911]

Update - I charged my battery for a few days. Now all I get is a click from the solenoid. Multimeter shows that the battery is at 13.0 volts.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what I should check next?

Thanks.

[chef1366]

Jump the solenoid and see if the starter spins.
If not
Pull the starter and check to see if it spins with jumper cables. If not clean it and have a looksy inside.
If it does spin you'll need to get to the starter clutch under the stator cover.

[CCM911]

I hate to sound stupid, but where is the solenoid? I'm sorry, I never had a GS. On my car it habgs right off the starter.

Also, I am begining to suspect the starter clutch as well.

Sorry to be a pain.

[tom203]

I hate to sound stupid, but where is the solenoid? I'm sorry, I never had a GS. On my car it habgs right off the starter.

Also, I am begining to suspect the starter clutch as well.

Sorry to be a pain.

Find that clicking thing-probably close to battery and looks like shot glass with two big wire posts! One wire goes to starter motor, other connects to positive battery post. Then a smaller trigger wire energizes it, when starter button is pressed. Focus on the electrical stuff first.

[CCM911]

Perfect description, tom203. I will check it out tonight after work. I should have done more over the weekend, but Sunday was so nice, it was time to ride.

I'll report back my findings so others with the same problem can benefit.

[CCM911]

I already have the Stator side cover off, as my initial impulse was that it was the starter clutch.

I'll figure it out. And the help from this board is great so far.

[SqDancerLynn1]

Also if the soloniod was stuck it could have destroyed the starter

[CCM911]

Went in last night and jumped the solenoid. Nothing but a bunch of sparks. I can hear and feel the solenoid clicking, so I guess my next step will be tp pull the starter motor.

[rockford]

Yep

Now, you're gettin' there!