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No start... New to wrenching on bikes. Help me troubleshoot...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ctclee
  • Start date Start date
C

Ctclee

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Ok so I've been looking around the site looking for help and.... Well frankly I think I am more confused than when I started...

So I start here. I have a 1983 GS550L just trucked it home and I cannot get it started.

First I took the advice of the seller that said all my GS would need is a new starter button/ run switch. It was replaced and still it will not turn over.

I've charged the battery and it sits with somewhere around 12.8 v. Iwas also told the battery was new.

I also replaced the starter solenoid.

I turn the key and the lights come on. I turn to run. I pull the clutch and press the button and BAM nothing... Not a click not a buzz nothing... Except that the headlight dims. Could it be the starter ?


Not sure where to start.


I would appreciate any help. Thanks in advance.
 
If the headlight dims when you push the starter button, it is apparently trying to start.

Locate the starter solenoid. Not sure where it is on your bike (left side? right side?). Make sure the bike is in neutral, use an old screwdriver to bridge across the two large terminals on the top of the solenoid (the key does NOT have to be 'on'). Yes, there will be a small fireworks show as you make the connection, but it bridges the battery straight to the starter. If your battery is fully-charged, it should turn the starter. If the starter still has problems turning, it might need a rebuild. Kits are available from Stocker's Starters, but verify which starter you have before ordering a kit. Some starters have two brushes, others have four. The two kits are NOT interchangeable.

.
 
Thank you. I've been running it through my head for a few days and I've thought about starter issues. Is there a way to test the starter without replacing or fixing it yet. jumping the starter solenoid does nothing now...
 
If jumping the solenoid does "nothing", you either have a dead battery or a dead starter, unless there is a broken ground wire between the engine case and the battery.

To rule out the battery, use jumper cables, connect the battery in your car (with the car NOT running) to the bike battery, repeat the 'bridge the solenoid' test. If you still get nothing, it's a dead starter.

If it's a dead starter, you will have to remove the tank and carbs to get the starter out, but it's not as intimidating as it might seem.

.
 
Starter solenoid on a 86 GS 550L

Starter solenoid on a 86 GS 550L

20150909_064444.jpgLooks like this
 
Thanks whatparthurts but my solenoid does not really look like that. I have an '83 maybe an '82. Lol I better double check that ;)

I Have been a little sick and the weather and work... So I have not gotten to do any further trouble shooting. I did order some choke cable thumb lever parts but they were the wrong ones.!lol I will keep everyone posted when I get to the bike. And thanks again for everyone's help.
 
If its dimming the lights try to short the terminals on top of the selenoid with a screw driver across the posts. If that doesnt make the starter crank, take off the starter cover and give it a few good solid taps with a haamer and retry the button. Starter motor itself may be stuck.
 
I had thee exact same issue on an 82 that I picked up a couple weeks ago. Ordered a starter rebuild kit online for $15 because my brushes in the old starter were pretty much destroyed and mostly were in the form of carbon dust. Rebuilt and it wants to turn over.... now to figure out why it's not starting.
 
Maybe its just me but if I have a MC that wont start I go to plan B and try to push start it. That dont help with the starter / solenoid issue but it gives me a light at the end of the tunnel as to the overall condition. That could also unstick a stuck starter motor.
 
Ok wow in this time that I've been looking for an answer. I have overlooked something very simple.... Rookie mistake. Remember to always check the wires too. Not just connections and components. So I found that one wire in my wiring harness is broken. So I had to put in 1 new wire.

Once I replaced it I am looking at a bike that fires up EVERY time. I am so excited. Thank you for all your help guys.
 
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