I have to bypass the solenoid, Whats wrong?

[JoMagnum]

Hey, just thinking you guys could help me out here...

I have a 1981 Gs1000L that does not start when i push the electric start button.So to start the bike I have to turn the key and bypass the - and + of the solenoid.
It started fine with the button and the next day: nothing, no buzz, click, just nothing.

What could cause this? A blown fuse?A bad connection when i push the button? Or, a broken solenoid?

Thanks

[cowboyup3371]

Hey, just thinking you guys could help me out here...

I have a 1981 Gs1000L that does not start when i push the electric start button.So to start the bike I have to turn the key and bypass the - and + of the solenoid.
It started fine with the button and the next day: nothing, no buzz, click, just nothing.

What could cause this? A blown fuse?A bad connection when i push the button? Or, a broken solenoid?

Thanks

You've answered your own question but won't know for sure until you are start looking at it. Don't just visually check your fuses - use a power light or multimeter (you do have one right?). Then start looking over your connections and see if anything has come loose. You'll do yourself a favor if you also clean them very well by getting some deOxit (can buy it at a guitar store) or other contact cleaner.

Also, are you sure your battery is fully charged?

[JoMagnum]

You've answered your own question but won't know for sure until you are start looking at it. Don't just visually check your fuses - use a power light or multimeter (you do have one right?). Then start looking over your connections and see if anything has come loose. You'll do yourself a favor if you also clean them very well by getting some deOxit (can buy it at a guitar store) or other contact cleaner.

Also, are you sure your battery is fully charged?

Yes I do have a volt meter,so i will check it tommorow.Also, my battery is fully charged .
So let's say is the solenoid that is broken.. if I would push the button, would it make any sound?
Thanks

[spyug]

You may need to clean connections in the right hand controls as the power feeds to it then back out to the solenoid. Using your test light and or multimeter check to see you have power going in to the control (run switch i.e. kill switch) and then at the solenoid ( with the key on and kill switch set to run, of course). If you do the solenoid is suspect.

Cheap replacement solenoids can be had at Lowes (or other stores) in the lawn tractor section around $14.

Good luck with it.

spyug

[koolaid_kid]

Just to sum up:
I believe you stated that if you jumped the two main terminals on the solenoid the bike would start.
I would start backwards to check out the starter button. On the solenoid there are 3 connections: 1 large connector goes straight to the battery and should always show battery voltage (12V nominal).The other large terminal goes to the starter and only shows voltage when the starter is engaged. The third connection uses a small spade connector. I would check that for voltage when the starter button is pressed. If it does, the solenoid is faulty. Replace it with a lawn tractor solenoid, making sure it has a good ground.

[tom203]

Mr. JoMagnum:: do you still have a clutch safety switch at clutch lever?