First let down :(

[Guest]

So I was filling up at a gas station on the way to work and the bike wouldn't start after. I pulled the seat off and noticed that one of the harness wires had corroded off completely. I'm hoping its the wire to the starter. I was able to push start the bike and continue off to work. I'll be taking a look at it after work tonight. I noticed that the harness was a bit melted as well. Is this an issue that the new rectifier would fix or would this be more of a starter or solenoid problem? I'm certain that this bike never got the new rectifier put in. I've only owned this bike for three weeks and I already have both a leaky oil line and corroded wiring. Sheesh!

[Kyler]

what year is your bike? When you buy old machines, you inherently assume the need to put some TLC into them.

[Somamp3]

It's an 85 gs550ef. After looking at the wiring, I'm assuming I have to give her a little tlc. I knew that when I bought it. I'm just wondering if the rectifier causes over heating of the starter wire or if its related to the starter instead.

[dorkburger]

Welcome to old bike ownership. Regardless of how clean it may appear a thorough going over is needed. Check out the wealth of info that is Basscliffs site for help. And when you get a free minute introduce yourself and by all means, post pictures of your cycle.

[tom203]

It's an 85 gs550ef. After looking at the wiring, I'm assuming I have to give her a little tlc. I knew that when I bought it....

Pack food and drink and head to this guy's computer.....

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff

[Somamp3]

Thanks for the help guys. I'll look at those pages tonight.

Also, I did my intro here

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=207561

[OldVet66]

If it is a wire problem with the starter, it's most likely corrosion at the terminal, and possible hidden broken wire strands at the corroded terminal connection. In any case the entire wiring system needs to to be gone through, grounds, connections, plugs, switches replacing necessary damaged components and cleaning and greasing all connections and switches with dielectric grease and possibly extending damaged wire. Here is a good place for replacement connectors and plugs along with the proper crimping tools: http://www.vintageconnections.com/

[AJ]

It kind of sounds like the wiring to the rectifier to me. Common problem with this year/model. Does it go to a block with three wires in it?

Don't keep riding it (even if you can bump start it) until you figure it out. If it's the rectifier, your battery will die eventually and then you really will be stranded. You might fry your alternator coil too.

[Nessism]

There is this thing call "maintenance". Highly recommended for 30 year old vehicles. Do some or you will be walking soon.

[JEEPRUSTY]

What colour was the wire in question?
Was it the thin red wire going to the regulator \ rectifier?
Take a picture and post it. I had a melting problem at the plug of the reg\rect.
I soldered everything up and no more heating or other problems.

I alos bought and installed a Compufire reg\rect which proved to be a miracle cure for the marginal POS OEM unit put in out bikes. These run very hot even when new with clean connections

Pics please.

[posplayr]

just brush on some Liquid Electrical Tape and it should last a few more years....











NOT

[tom203]

There is this thing call "maintenance". Highly recommended for 30 year old vehicles. Do some or you will be walking soon.

I just choked on my coffee laughing!