82' gs850 hard to start

[DudemyGod]

I've replaced the regulator/rectifier and I've checked the stator. Everything tested within specs. When I've gotten the motorcycle to start the voltage reading are on par with the ones outlines in The Stator papers. The battery was new and fully charged when I began testing.

I've also tested the signal generator and it was also reading withing specs so I tested the coils and they came up 4.2 ohms from the two main trees but I received no reading from one tree to the end of the cables(I also removed the cap and tested the wire) so I think I have bad coils; is there anyway to test the ignition box to rule it out as the problem?


Also, I tried starting it again but the engine would only turn over very slowly. I checked the starter motor a few days ago and the brushes where fine and I cleaned up the commuter. I'm afraid it may have gone since the battery was new although I have had to charge it back up a few times from trying to start it too many times. I would appreciate any advice on the problems.

Thanks in advance.

[tkent02]

Have you adjusted the valve clearances?

Hard starting is usually tight valves.

If it runs sometimes the ignition is working. Corrosion on battery and ground cables and wire connections will cause the starter to act as you describe.

Fix the spark plug boots.

And welcome to the forum.

[DudemyGod]

Thank you for the quick reply and the warm welcome. I haven't adjusted the clearances so I'll get on that right away. When I was checking to see if I was getting a spark it seemed I only got a spark after I had let go of the starter button. The same thing happened with both coils.

I have taken a wire brush to all the grounds and connectors but the main negative that is sent from the battery to the engine that is connected to a long bolt was especially rusted. I cleaned it up but maybe I need to clean out the hole?

[almarconi]

Low compression will also make it hard to start.

[tkent02]

When I was checking to see if I was getting a spark it seemed I only got a spark after I had let go of the starter button. The same thing happened with both coils.

This is an important detail.

Your Voltage while cranking the starter is not high enough to run the ignition also. It's likely corroded wiring connectors somewhere along the way, somehow the power just isn't getting there enough to do both. You are right, it could be the ground too. Actually after reading both of your posts again the slow cranking and the ignition working when the starter isn't turning, the ground sounds likely to be the problem. It will be hard to clean out that bolt hole, it's a deep one. Add another big ground to the engine from the battery negative as a test. A jumper cable will work or any big wire to any bolt on the engine.

[tom203]

"......I tested the coils and they came up 4.2 ohms from the two main trees but I received no reading from one tree to the end of the cables(I also removed the cap and tested the wire) so I think I have bad coils "

4.2 ohms is fine; now remove plug boots from coils and measure plug wire to plug wire (stick probes in wires) on each coil-should be about 12000 ohms. Caps themselves might be 5 to 10 kohms each but these are hard to measure due to corrosion.

[DudemyGod]

Thanks for all the help guys. I double checked all the connections and I cleaned up the ground bolt hole with a tap and she fired up the first try; No sputtering or hesitation! Here's a picture of her. http://imgur.com/q5b1IHG

Thanks again!

[tkent02]

Very nice, I like the stripe. I might copy a little of it on my next painting masterpiece, if you don't mind…. adding the pic to my great paint jobs collection.

[DudemyGod]

Thanks I really love this one and now that she runs I can finally enjoy riding her. As far as the stripe goes I just ask for and annotation that reads "Inspired by J.L."

[tom203]

You'll want to at least do this test or plan on having a vehicle on standby to rescue you, cuz sooner or later....

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?p=1272192#post1272192