Starter problems?

[crc1214]

It's been a progressing problem.....

Late in the season last year, I noticed my starter cranking more slowly at every start up. Sometimes I would get just a single "click".

Now, I pretty much have to start it with the kickstarter every time (why did they ever take those off of bikes anyway???)

However, sometimes when the bike is warmed up I can start it using the starter and it will crank JUST barely enough for me to start it.

Anyhow, are these symptoms of a bad starter, a bad solenoid, or BOTH?

What's the little trick to "bypass" the wiring on the solenoid to see if that's the problem?? - is it to put the blade of a screwdriver against the positive on the solenoid and the frame of the bike?

Thanks,

Chad

[my98xplorer]

I just went through a similar problem, didnt know if i had a bad relay or what the problem was. To bypass the relay take a screwdriver or pliers (make sure they have an insulated handle) and touch both of the terminals on the relay. That will bypass the relay and your bike should turn over. Hope this helps!

Brian

[crc1214]

Thanks, I'll try doing that to see if the solenoid is the problem.

Forgot to mention:

My charging system and battery are in perfect working order, so I'm confident it's not a deteriorating battery.

[duaneage]

I think your starter is toast. You might be able to clean the brushes inside of it (after you find out how hard it is to get it out of there) and save it. EBay is a good place to find starters cheap, several years will work.

[focus frenzy]

check the cables, corosion gets under the terminals where the terminals are crimped to the wire and you get a huge voltage drop to the starter.