Starting issue

[new_gser]

I have an 86 GS550E that I have spent quite a bit of time on. I am not sure if I posted this question or not, so here goes. I have an intermittent issue with starting the bike. I put the key in the ignition and turn to on, put my rocker switch to the run position, pull in my clutch and when I press the start button sometimes I get nothing at all, sometimes I hear a solenoid or relay clicking and other times it starts. I have checked for continuity on the start switch and it is fine, and I have checked the clutch switch and that appears fine also. When I first got this bike last summer the clutch switch was bypassed, but when I tested it, it seemed to work so I re-connected it. Any suggestions?

 

[Guest]

If it starts sometimes and you hear your solenoid clicking at other times, I would be suspicious of the battery. It could also be a poor connection but I doubt that. Don't be fooled into thinking it's your solenoid; it's almost certainly not. Let us know!

 

[twistedwankel]

When I first got this bike last summer the clutch switch was bypassed, but when I tested it, it seemed to work so I re-connected it. Any suggestions?

The fact that it was bypassed tells me it was a problem for the PO. Take it apart and clean it and lube it with dielectric points grease. If you need a new copper or spring you can get them from Bike Bandit cheap. Sometimes they just get really dirty and don't contact. Otherwise bypass it again and motor on.

 

[Guest]

Try cleaning the kill switch.

 

[new_gser]

I will check all the switches again and if I need to I will bypass the clutch switch. I don't think it would be the battery as I have a new one. Thanks for all the info.

 

[lucabond]

If you only hear the solenoid clicking sometimes then its something before the solenoid like the start button,clutch switch or wiring between them.
If you hear it clicking all the time it could be the power lead from the solenoid to the starter or from the battery to solenoid or a poor ground from the starter.
The clutch switch and start button are good culprits, both get dirty and make poor contacts and are easy to clean with some steel wool even if they look good it wouldn't hurt to shine them up and put some dielectric grease on them. You should also check the bullet connectors where they hook together. This would be if you only hear the solenoid sometimes.
If the springs are bad you can replace them with 1 from an old ball point pen cut to length. Hope this helps, Good luck.

 

[new_gser]

Have the day off today so I took the start switch apart. It was pretty dirty so I cleaned the contacts and the spring. So far it has started every time. If the problem comes back I will bypass the clutch switch next.

 

[chuckycheese]

If you only hear the solenoid clicking sometimes then its something before the solenoid like the start button,clutch switch or wiring between them.
If you hear it clicking all the time it could be the power lead from the solenoid to the starter or from the battery to solenoid or a poor ground from the starter.
The clutch switch and start button are good culprits, both get dirty and make poor contacts and are easy to clean with some steel wool even if they look good it wouldn't hurt to shine them up and put some dielectric grease on them. You should also check the bullet connectors where they hook together. This would be if you only hear the solenoid sometimes.
If the springs are bad you can replace them with 1 from an old ball point pen cut to length. Hope this helps, Good luck.

I think this advice could be a "sticky" considering how many times this question comes up; it's perfect, in my opinion, and says it all.

 

[Geoff4130]

My starter is doing something odd. When I press the button it clicks, but if I put it in gear, let the clutch out, roll it a little, then pull in the clutch and press the button it starts. Not all the time but at times. Could this be broken teeth or something?

 

[rphillips]

Geoff,sounds like your starter is the problem. The armature in the starter stops where the brushes are at a good spot on the armature, & it starts fine. If the armature stops where the brushes contact a dirty, or carboned, spot on the armature, you get nothing but the click of the solenoid. By rocking the bike, the starter gear turns the armature a little, & the brushes again are against a good, clean, spot, & it starts fine. Just my opinion

 

[Geoff4130]

Cool I'll try that. The battery is new, was bought over the summer. I was thinking maybe it doesn't have much for cold cranking amps? It was 32 today and was turning over hard if at all, but it pop started just fine.

 

[rphillips]

If you are going to take the starter apart to clean it, I'd suggest getting a new set of brushes before you start. 95% chance the old brushes are worn, & could be the cause of your problem. Do it all while you're in there.

 

[Steve]

The battery is new, was bought over the summer.

Might be a 'new' battery, but is it a 'good' battery? :-k

Question: Was it PROPERLY charged before it was put into the bike?
Most people just fill it with acid, stuff it in the bike and hit the starter.
This will just about guarantee that the battery will never be up to more than about 80% of its full capacity.

Next question: Has the battery been charged at all since you got it this summer?
Even a good battery will lose some of its charge over time.
Over the course of a few months, it would not be surprising to find that it would not turn over the starter now.

.

 

[Geoff4130]

Ok, reaaaaaaaally dumb question. Where is the starter? Is it the ignition on the right side by the bottom?

I didn't buy the battery, the PO did thinking that is why it wouldn't start, but that issue was the pos. battery cable. I should get a trickle charger for it I suppose.

 

[BassCliff]

Hi Mr. Geoff4130,

Your starter will be right behind the #1 cylinder, under that cover on top of the crankcase.

Ignition is under the right crankcase cover.

If you don't have a manual, feel free to download one from my website. There's an '83 550E/ES/L that's probably close enough to get you more familiar with your bike.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[Steve]

I should get a trickle charger for it I suppose.

Don't just get a 'trickle' charger unless you want to keep a constant eye on it.

If you use a manual charger of only 1.5 or 2 amps, it can overcharge the battery if you leave it on for 24 hours.

If you use an automatic charger of the same size, it might take a week or so to overcharge the battery.

If you use a charger/maintainer, you can leave it plugged in somewhat indefinitely.

If you want a well-known name on a good maintainer, get a Battery Tender, either the Jr. or Plus models. If you don't mind paying 1/2 to 1/3 the price of the Battery Tenders (the Jr. is about $45, the Plus is about $60), get a Schumacher Battery Companion at Wal-Mart for less than $20. I have four of them on various machines around here with no problems.

.

 

[Geoff4130]

Awesome! Thanks guys! I have the day off tomorrow and as long as it's above freezing I'll go take it apart.

 

[Geoff4130]

I. Am. Awesome!

I took the starter out, took it apart, cleaned it up, put it back together, put it in. And. It started right up! Sa-weet!

I even took pics of the whole event, lol. You can see them on my Flickr set for my cycle. Woo hoo!