New batterty, sluggish, weak starting, starter going?

[pnedac]

Good morning,

I have picked up an 80 GSX750 and I got a new battery for it to start getting it going and I notice that even with a new batterty, when it turns over it seems sporadic and weak, no vigor. Could this be the starter going out or the starter solenoid? The bike, though a 1980, only has 12,xxx miles so I want to think it would be alright, but a lot can happen in 32 years. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Pnedac

[Big T]

Could this be the starter going out or the starter solenoid? The bike, though a 1980, only has 12,xxx miles so I want to think it would be alright, but a lot can happen in 32 years. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Start at the solenoid with your volt meter. With the starter button psuhed, voltage on input and out put.

If the input is low, check battery and wiring

If the output is low, pop the top (carefully) on the solenoid, spray with contact cleaner, look for burn marks, and reinstall

If output is still low, replace solenoid

Test voltage at starter with starter button pushed. If low, pull starter, takea part, clean starter and examine the brushes. Reassemble and test

Take lots of pictures as you go

[jbs80106]

likely (or possibly?) could be just gunked up starter. It sits on top of the motor under the carbs (and the cam tensioner which could be leaking oil usually). Its an easy enough job to clean, getting it out is a trick though. There is a cover over it which is straight forward but there is a bolt at the top end of the starter (assuming you're accessing it from the left side of the bike).

Get it out, remove 2 long screws and you can clean it out. Also good time to check the starter brushes to see if they're still making good contact to make the starter turn. If they're worn you can order just the brushes from your local dealer for not much $$$. Much less $$ than a new starter will be....

[pnedac]

Thanks guys. I will be pulling the starter and the solenoid here pretty soon. I tested the solenoid and got sub 12v readings both input and output, so my guess is that it is the culprit, but pulling the starter and giving it a once over is a great idea too and seeing as i am going to be doing a pretty thorough makeover on this bike, it will be a good thing to knock out anyway I will be posting pics of the beauty here pretty soon.

Thanks again,

Pat

[2BRacing]

With such a low mileage, I do not think the starter brushes will be worn out. More likely corrosion at contact terminals and contact points in solenoid and starter switch and elsewhere at earth points and other connections.

How freely does the engine turn over? Long standing could result in surface rust in cylinders, making the engine difficult to turn over, and making the starter's task that much more difficult.

[Big T]

If you've got sub 12V readings at the solenoid static, your "new" battery is bad

If you've got sub 12V at the solenoid input with the starter button pushed, your battery is dead or there's a short

Post up

Solenoid in - static
Solenoid in - button pushed
Solenoid out - Button pushed

[hjfisk]

Sounds like a bad new battery or battery cables if you have low voltage on both posts of the solenoid.Or the new battery just needs a good charging