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Solenoid Wont Click

  • Thread starter Thread starter SuzyGS550
  • Start date Start date
S

SuzyGS550

Guest
Just bought a beautiful '79 GS 550L a few weeks ago and now she doesn't want to start for me. Here's what's going on:


-Green light turns on
-Front Blinker/ High-beams flash
-Not able to kick start
-Starter Button Not clicking anymore
-Solenoid (Screwdriver) Bypass won't turn engine over
-Bought a new Starter Relay= Zero effect

Basic Wiring Setup:
FullSizeRender.jpg


Improper wiring? Corroded Switch? Wire shortage? Should I connect the tail lights? Please HELP!

Not an expert so feel free to inform my sorry ass

Yes... Kill switch is on "Run", Fuel is "On", transmissions in neutral, "Wumbo" activated.
 
Take off the starter motor cover and give the end of the motor a few decent taps with a hammer to see if its stuck.
 
If shorting across the solenoid terminals does not spin the starter, the problem is NOT the solenoid. Pushing the button should still make it click, though. :-k

- As Chuck mentioned, tap the starter to make sure it's not stuck.
- Check the two mounting bolts for the starter to make sure the starter is grounded.
- Check the battery voltage. Then put one of the leads on the starter terminal while you short across the solenoid to make sure you are getting something close to battery voltage there.
- If you get battery votage at the starter terminal, check to see if you also get it on the starter housing. If you do, you have a bad ground.
- If you have battery voltage at the starter terminal but not on the housing, you might have bad brushes.

.
 
Check to be sure the yellow trigger wire ( wire on top of the selinoid itself) is connected to the harness too.
 
Check to see if there is sludge carbon build up on the brushes and stator on the stator motor. A quick disassembly and clean up may do the trick.
 
Kick starting works, just doesn't turn over the motor even when the choke is pulled/ throttle turned slightly/ pulling in clutch or brake (not that it matters)

Thanks for the help! I'll be sure to get back with you on how these suggestions turn out.
 
SuzyGS550 said:
Kick starting works, just doesn't turn over the motor even when the choke is pulled/ throttle turned slightly/ pulling in clutch or brake (not that it matters)

Thanks for the help! I'll be sure to get back with you on how these suggestions turn out.
Click to expand...


Please clarify - do you mean the motor turns over but doesn't start, or do you mean the motor doesn't turn over?

Same with the solenoid screwdriver bypass - does the motor turn over or not?
 
Do as Steve indicated and measure the battery voltage with the ignition off and then with it on and report back.
 
hillsy said:
Please clarify - do you mean the motor turns over but doesn't start, or do you mean the motor doesn't turn over?

Same with the solenoid screwdriver bypass - does the motor turn over or not?
Click to expand...

Apologies. It is turning over, however it is not starting
 
Sorry for the delay......studying architecture leaves me with little free time occasionally.


After giving her more attention, here's what I found:


(1) Took the stator cover off and found that the starter motor looks fine (no sludge carbon build up on brushes either). When I connect the battery "+" on its connector and the battery "-" to ground, the starter came alive by itself. When connected to the gears leading to the flywheel she spun slowly and intermittently... Is this because the cover is off? (away from stator) Not sure that is the reason.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AQ0WgWGHJ0

(2) Cleaned the Control switch and Start Button contacts with steel wool and made sure there's contact. Solenoid still won't click. I'm assuming the engine start leading from is bad.

(3) Installed new fuses where shorts occurred.

(4) Starter is grounded through both mounting bolts

(5) Battery Voltage w/ ignition on has a 0.2 decrease. 12.6 to 12.4.

(6) kick starting with stand up.

(7) Checked wire continuity along the Starter Button wire. Zero exposure and healthy contacts.

(8) Connected the tail lights.

(9) Yellow trigger wire is connected to harness.


BONUS Question:

While taking off the stator cover I found that one of the wires leading to the rectifier had been chewed up by a gear. My battery drains easily and I'm almost certain this is occurring. Should I buy a new stator or will some electric tape do the job?
16996459_10206443374962957_4900542464036869986_n.jpg
 
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