starting problem

[jakeolsen]

After putting my '80 550 back together, I am having problems getting it to start. If I press the start button, it does nothing. If I jump the solenoid, it sounds like it wants to start but won't. It has new plugs, a new starter button assembly, new solenoid, and I checked that each plug is firing. I also cleaned the clutch sensor to make sure it wasn't causing me trouble. Any thoughts of where to look next? I am really confused on this one.

[jbs80106]

check the starter...

could be bad/worn brushes or just gunked up on the inside...

[jakeolsen]

Ok. I will check that out. What would cause the button not to work though? The wiring all seems sound.

[KRyder13]

The following is a copy of a post I made on another forum on this site a while ago -

I wanted to give an update on the problems I was experiencing. A little over two weeks ago I took the right handlebar switch (where the starter button and kill switch are) apart. I found cobwebs and dirt (not dust, real dirt) inside. No idea how that stuff got in there. I cleaned it all out and brightened up the contacts for the starter button, then reassembled it. Have not had a failure since.
Ken

[tkent02]

Get a multimeter, find out where the power stops.
Could be a switch, a connector, maybe a broken wire.

[Killer2600]

Get a multimeter, find out where the power stops.
Could be a switch, a connector, maybe a broken wire.

or a test light....test light is my tool of choice in these situations

[jakeolsen]

I really gotta learn how to use a multimeter...

[Calvin Blackmore]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzjMIcER4EU

not a bad video

[Killer2600]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzjMIcER4EU

not a bad video

I haven't watched the whole video but it doesn't seem like a very good video. They aren't even showing all the different selections on the multi-meter. That's where I find alot of electronics/electric unsavy people will ask me questions.

[diante]

my 83 gs 850gl would start up one day then next day nothing,checked what you did and it was brushes totaly worn down to nothing on starter.

[1_v8_merc]

Yep, im having a similar problem on my 82 650.

I cleaned the starter switch area out twice, brushed the spring to make sure it's clean.

Cleaned the entire wiring harness.
Cleaned and checked all grounds.
Replaced the starter solenoid.

I THOUGHT everything was good, I really didn't have any failures at all after replacing the starter solenoid!

Until today.......it was hot as hell out, and I let the bike sit and idle too long.
Then I was having starting issues......it just BARELY cranks, then the switch wouldn't work suddenly....but never got a solenoid "click" or anything, so im pretty sure the signal is getting TO the Starter!

Starter was WICKED HOT.....actually saw a little smoke come out from beneath it....although that could be debris stuck under there.

Let the bike cool down for an hour, and BAM, it started right up!

-------

I had 12.6 -13v steady today too!
2 week old battery, charging it left and right!

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I think my starter needs to be cleaned or checked out....maybe replaced.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

I found these on some guy's website. They might help.

Testing The Ignition System

Diagnosing Slow Cranking

Ignitor/Signal Generator/Coil Test



Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Jagir]

How does one do the Ignitor/Signal Generator/Coil Test on a two cylinder?

Thanks.

[jakeolsen]

Figured out the problem is a bad battery. It would get drained down a little and the button would no longer work. I think the LED flasher was maybe draining it?