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starting problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter jakeolsen
  • Start date Start date
J

jakeolsen

Guest
After putting my '80 550 back together, I am having problems getting it to start. If I press the start button, it does nothing. If I jump the solenoid, it sounds like it wants to start but won't. It has new plugs, a new starter button assembly, new solenoid, and I checked that each plug is firing. I also cleaned the clutch sensor to make sure it wasn't causing me trouble. Any thoughts of where to look next? I am really confused on this one. :confused:
 
check the starter...

check the starter...

could be bad/worn brushes or just gunked up on the inside...
 
Ok. I will check that out. What would cause the button not to work though? The wiring all seems sound.
 
The following is a copy of a post I made on another forum on this site a while ago -

I wanted to give an update on the problems I was experiencing. A little over two weeks ago I took the right handlebar switch (where the starter button and kill switch are) apart. I found cobwebs and dirt (not dust, real dirt) inside. No idea how that stuff got in there. I cleaned it all out and brightened up the contacts for the starter button, then reassembled it. Have not had a failure since.
Ken
 
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Get a multimeter, find out where the power stops.
Could be a switch, a connector, maybe a broken wire.
 
my 83 gs 850gl would start up one day then next day nothing,checked what you did and it was brushes totaly worn down to nothing on starter.
 
Yep, im having a similar problem on my 82 650.

I cleaned the starter switch area out twice, brushed the spring to make sure it's clean.

Cleaned the entire wiring harness.
Cleaned and checked all grounds.
Replaced the starter solenoid.

I THOUGHT everything was good, I really didn't have any failures at all after replacing the starter solenoid!

Until today.......it was hot as hell out, and I let the bike sit and idle too long.
Then I was having starting issues......it just BARELY cranks, then the switch wouldn't work suddenly....but never got a solenoid "click" or anything, so im pretty sure the signal is getting TO the Starter!

Starter was WICKED HOT.....actually saw a little smoke come out from beneath it....although that could be debris stuck under there.

Let the bike cool down for an hour, and BAM, it started right up!

-------

I had 12.6 -13v steady today too!
2 week old battery, charging it left and right!

-------


I think my starter needs to be cleaned or checked out....maybe replaced.
 
How does one do the Ignitor/Signal Generator/Coil Test on a two cylinder?

Thanks.
 
Figured out the problem is a bad battery. It would get drained down a little and the button would no longer work. I think the LED flasher was maybe draining it?
 
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