Starter Solenoid

[Wilee7]

how do i test my starter solenoid? i have a 82 GS550L

[Big T]

Use two tools - voltmeter and a large screwdriver

Use the large screwdriver to short across the 2 large poles (pull up any caps) - does the starter turn?

Voltmeter - test for 12V at positive terminal

Test for 12V on the small wire when the starter button is pushed

[Wilee7]

the reason I ask is because every morning I i go to start my bike it takes a while to start it starts fine for the rest of the afternoon i only have problems in the morning. I've tested the battery with a multimeter and it reads between 13-15 so i dont think thats the problem. this issue only occurs in the morning once i get it started there are no issues for the rest of the day any suggestions?

[cowboyup3371]

Are you using the choke to start? When was the last time your valves were adjusted?

[spyug]

You are not describing a solenoid issue. Obviously it works if the engine eventually starts. If you pushed the button and got nothing then it may be the solenoid but it is more likely to be the starter button itself. If you push the button one time and it starts and the next time it doesn't or it does if you wiggle it then its definitely the button. The contacts in the switch get dirty over time and need cleaning to make good electrical connections.

I can't really tell what your issue is but its one of 3 things a)dirty carbs b)tight valves c)weak battery and or dirty corroded connections in the ignition circuits ( i.e. to the coils).

Maybe a bit clearer detail and we can help more.

good luck,
Spyug

[850 Combat]

every morning I i go to start my bike it takes a while to start

What do you mean? The Solenoid only has anything to do with providing power to the starter motor. If the motor cranks then the Solenoid is working. If it soes not crank, it may not be working.

You have not described symptoms to the point that I can venture a guess as to what is happening.

I have seen a bad ground on the solenoid give random non starting. One way to test the solenoid is to disconnect the skinny wire on it, and touch it to the large cable comming from the battery. If that makes the starter crank then the solenoid is good. If the solenoid is good and the starter will not crank when you hit the button, then the problem would be in the starter button, kill switch, clutch interconnect switch, or the wiring connecting these and the ignition switch. It could also be the ignition switch or power to the ignition switch, but that is really not as likely considering that you are riding the bike.

[Wilee7]

there are times that i have tried to start it and i press the start button and i hear a low buzzing sound, ive disconnected and reconnected the negative cable to the battery to get it to start, i have also jumped it to get it to start, other times it will turn over but it wouldnt start.

[cowboyup3371]

I highly recommend you have that battery checked. Not just charged up but charged up and checked to see if it is still good.

[tom203]

there are times that i have tried to start it and i press the start button and i hear a low buzzing sound, ive disconnected and reconnected the negative cable to the battery to get it to start, i have also jumped it to get it to start, other times it will turn over but it wouldnt start.

Buzzing sounds like poor contact; but "it will turn over, but it wouldn't start"- does it sound like starter motor is turning slow? Do you start in neutral, or just pull clutch in?

[Wilee7]

i start in neutral, i ruled out the battery because it read 13-15 on the multimeter but i will have it checked

[koolaid_kid]

The buzzing is an indication that not enough current (as opposed to voltage) is getting through. I had a bad battery in my DD that would show +12 volts, but virtually no current.
If the battery checks good, try cleaning the engine to frame (or battery) connections.

[Wilee7]

I put the m it dropped multimeter on the battery it read at 15 when I pushed the start button it dropped down to 12 and started fine. Ill have to check it in the morning that is when i have the issues.

[cowboyup3371]

Yea, if it is at 15 when at rest, something is wrong. I understand it should never climb above about 13.5 at rest and no more than about 14 while running.

[1_v8_merc]

If you need a starter solenoid, Lowes sells a tractor solenoid for $12.
It's in the lawn and garden section, near the air filters and stuff.

Fit perfect in my 82 650, works great.

Sure as hell beats $80 for the OEM piece of junk that's probably gonna break again...

[spyug]

If you need a starter solenoid, Lowes sells a tractor solenoid for $12.

Or $15 if you live in Canada. What a rip and our dollar is stronger than yours right now. My buddy just came back today from N.J. with another Honda Pacific Coast on his trailer (don't ask me why) for which he paid $1500 but they only taxed him on $1472. Better yet, he bought 3 cases of brew for $38. The same thing up here would be $36 a case or $108......yikes we really do get ripped.

Can anybody loan me a green card?

Cheers all,
Spyug