getting frustrated!

[steve vu]

Hi everyone, I just want to thank you very much for your input and advice so far.
New Year i bought 1982 GS650L, the last time it was registered in 1989. This is the very first bike i ever worked on (project bike). So no one has really touched the bike in 20 years. The bike were missing all the bolts. It took me 2 weeks to find all the bolts. That was a nightmare, they were all different sizes. After installing all the bolts and nuts.

This is what I have done so far:
changed the oil and filter.
changed the shaft drive oil.
Sprayed and cleaned all the electrical parts.
installed 2 used ignition coils.
replaced all the fuses.
installed a new ignition
Sprayed and cleaned the carb

I ran a quick test to see if the engine would turn. i connect the positive wire directly to the starter and it turns, that was a good sign for me.

well, it won't start with the regular configuration. No click or anything. I put the bike in neutral. Place the kill switch on "start", press the start button....nothing...

I have done a voltage test, the positive (+) red wire that goes to the "starter relay", registered 12 volts, but the wire to the starter register less than 1 volt. Can anyone show me where to start testing or the right procedure to trouble shoot the electrical system. Much appreciated.

[gearhead13]

There is usually a safety switch connected to the clutch lever, so you have to have the clutch in to turn it over.

[neal]

You can bypass the safety switch in the headlight. My safty switch is old and I sometime have to pull the clutch in several times sometime before the engine turns over. I'll be disconnecting mine soon.

[almarconi]

Sprayed and cleaned the carb

If the carbs have been sitting as long as you say they have you need to take the carbs completely apart and soak them. Replace the O-rings, thoroughly clean all the parts and put them back together.

Most of the rubber on the bike is probably shot. You will more than likely need to replace the carb boot and intake O rings if your bike uses them. You get them from Robert Barr a member on this forum.

There is no sense getting frustrated..walk away from it for a while. There is alot to learn if you want to resurrect a bike. Read the repair manual and check each system. If you try to fix the bike willy-nilly your going to have a hell of a time.

[steve vu]

Safety switch

where would the safety switch locates at? Th ebook does not mention anything about safety switch

[almarconi]

I have done a voltage test, the positive (+) red wire that goes to the "starter relay", registered 12 volts, but the wire to the starter register less than 1 volt. Can anyone show me where to start testing or the right procedure to trouble shoot the electrical system. Much appreciated.

Did you do the test I outlined to test your starter relay? Your relay is probably toast.

[Steve]

where would the safety switch locates at? Th ebook does not mention anything about safety switch

The switch is located in the clutch handle mount. As mentioned by a previous poster, turn the key ON, pull the clutch lever, press the START button. That should at least get you a CLICK from the starter. If your carbs are clean and 'choke' is set, it might even start and run.

.

[cbrophy22]

Run a new wire

I had the same problem I did a quick fix I ran a 14g black wire from the switch on the bars ( connection is in the headlight) to the starter relay and tucked into mass of black wiring harness. now thinking about it i think its the same hot that runs coils.
It will get the bike to turn over when you hit the button, it depends if your purest, or if your quick fix. mine bine fine for a year now

[gustovh]

Be sure the ground to the relay and battery are good. Be sure that your grounds bold directly to the engine or frame, not through the rubber/steel bushing or the like at the battery box. No ground now work.
V

[trippivot]

Hi everyone, I just want to thank you very much for your input and advice so far.
New Year i bought 1982 GS650L, the last time it was registered in 1989. This is the very first bike i ever worked on (project bike). So no one has really touched the bike in 20 years. The bike were missing all the bolts. It took me 2 weeks to find all the bolts. That was a nightmare, they were all different sizes. After installing all the bolts and nuts.

This is what I have done so far:
changed the oil and filter.
changed the shaft drive oil.
Sprayed and cleaned all the electrical parts.
installed 2 used ignition coils.
replaced all the fuses.
installed a new ignition
Sprayed and cleaned the carb

I ran a quick test to see if the engine would turn. i connect the positive wire directly to the starter and it turns, that was a good sign for me.

well, it won't start with the regular configuration. No click or anything. I put the bike in neutral. Place the kill switch on "start", press the start button....nothing...

I have done a voltage test, the positive (+) red wire that goes to the "starter relay", registered 12 volts, but the wire to the starter register less than 1 volt. Can anyone show me where to start testing or the right procedure to trouble shoot the electrical system. Much appreciated.

TAP on the starter relay you have tested 12+ volts at the signal wire and that is correct. the inner plunger getts stuck from sitting.

[jbs80106]

On the right track!!!

Pretty much everyone here can relate to your frustration..we all get to that point at one time or another.

You're on the right track.

• if you have good voltage at the batter, good.
• check that the battery neg terminal runs to a good ground point some where,
• check that your regulator/rectifier is also grounded to the neg terminal of the battery. (probably not in any manual but good practical configuration).
• you need to squeeze the clutch to get the bike to turn over...
• - note: if I need a hand free to work voltmeter probe or whatnot I just get some string and tie the clutch in the pulled position....
• put kill switch into RUN position
• turn key and press start button....see what happens.
• if you only get a 'click', you'll need to repeat checking the voltage at the starter.
• if voltage is good there (like 12V or something) but nothing is happening, you may need to clean the starter so the brushes make good contact (i wound up just replacing the brushes after cleaning mine 2x)
• if it cranks, you're closer. Probably need to put the switch onto PRIME for a few minutes to get gas into the carbs.....
• On my 650 I almost always have to fiddle with the choke to start her, esp if cold. Usually just opening the choke 1/2 way or so is sufficent.