Starter knackered but good....

[Guest]

Well GS650G is limping again. Last rode about 4 weeks ago after having epoxied back on one of the magnets. Went to fire her up a couple days later, and just the telltale 'click' when pushing the start button.

Too busy working on master's degree to sort it out, but guessed my glue job on the magent didn't hold.

Took it all apart yesterday, and magnet still in place.

Now what?

I get 12V at the starter when pushing button w/clutch engaged.

Bike will start via push starting and runs.

DO NOT want to put $150 into this bike for a new starter. Not sure what could be preventing it from engaging, its got voltage, brushes make good contact. Really don't want to take the friggin' starter back out again either...PITA!

Suspect that's where the problem must lie. Something's not working....don't know what....

[Steve]

You say it has voltage, but how much and when?

It is possible for a battery to show about 12.5 volts or so, but still not be able to push the current necessary to turn the starter. Check your voltage at the battery before turning the key ON. Watch the voltage when you push the starter button. If it drops below 11, you need a new battery.

.

[Zooks]

The thing that usually goes wrong in starter motors is the solenoid. It is usually the small brass contacts that burn out and after a while they 'stick' or weld. For most starters you can get new brass contacts for the solenoid or sometimes even a reconditioned solenoid assembly. Talk with your local auto elec specialist and see if you can get the necessary parts. I have rebuilt dozens of starters over the years, it's not very hard. Be careful, there are small springs, clips etc in there that can get lost easy.

[jbs80106]

*sigh*

Thanks guys. I've contacted stockers.com to see about the assebly w/brushes attached. About $30 I think. I get frustrated when it always seems to be one thing after another. Fix it, get about 2 weeks of riding out of it and then something else breaks. THANKFULLY they are usually minor things and cost less than $100 to fix. MUCH less than a new bike would cost.

I am so desparate for a functioning reliable bike. I had grand plans of putting some 2-3k on my bike this summer, I'm probably some where are around 400 miles.

I suspect its the brushes. They're original but appeared to be making good contact. Will check voltage drop on the battery to eliminate it from the equation. Battery tested good at the beginning of summer, though maybe its died from BOREDOM sitting in the garage all summer!! LOL!

[jbs80106]

Update: Back on the road!

Last Tuesday I called Stockers.com to confirm which part I needed for my ride. Talked to the owner, confirmed the part I needed (went with complete brush assembly as I didn't want to eff around with solder). He said he'd ship the part out ASAP so I'd get it before the weekend.

Part arrived on Friday.

Got it installed on Saturday and bike back together in about 2 hours. (most time spent trying to get the friggin' carbs back into the airbox boots).

She starts strong now.

Rode to work today...in 48 degree temps....BRR! but fun!