Starter and Carbs questions

Hey Folks,
After countless hours of going through every inch of my 1981 maxim 550's electrical system and many hours of studying the manual and hundreds of posts, I got it roaring down the road like it's brand new! Now Iv'e only got 2 problems to solve and it will be perfect. #1 I have to push start it. As per the post: How to test your starting system. The brand new battery is holding steady at 12.5 volts, exactly. The Neg. battery terminal is clean and good to the block. When I short accross the brand new starter solenoid's 2 large terminals w/ a screwdriver, bike on centerstand, sidestand up, in neutral with key on and stop/run switch on run, I don't get anything. Not even a click. Does that mean that my starter is toast? Just F.Y. I., I did rebuild the starter button w/a stock replacement from Chacal, and for grins I went ahead to step 3 and just got a healthy click out of the solenoid. #2 I still have the original problem that I had before I started working on the bike about 6 months ago. It dies at stop signs, low idle but runs great at higher RPMs. What do you think Carbs need cleaning? I really appreciate your input. I'm so close now! Thanks, Ricksta

 

Does your bike have one of those relays/switches that kills the starter if the stand is down?

 

if you jumpered a wire to the solenoid and it clicked but doesn't click from the start button and starter doesn't turn from shorting the solenoid, i would have to assume you are not getting enough or any power to your solenoid, typical culprits are connectors or fuse block, but those are just guesses, you will have to trace the circuit to find the problem.

good luck,

Trev

 

No offense, but can I get someone who is familiar with the post: How to check your starting system, to respond to my question. I would really appreciate some expert advice. Thanks, Ricksta

 

1. If you're jumping the solenoid posts and get nothing Check power from the battery to the solenoid. If none then bad cable/connection.

2. Then check the cable from solenoid down to the starter. It may be grounding someone before getting to the starter completing it's circuit. If that's good then your starter is not functioning properly.

Jumping the solenoid posts removes any relays and or switches from the equation.

An expert I am not but I did this series of tests just the other day.

And for the carbs you need atleast a tune and synch to get the idle steady. And if you haven't done it lately a proper cleaning doesn't hurt.

 

turn the key to off, jump a wire from battery + to the starter + the starter should spin (don't hold it on long the wire might get real hot)
that proves the starter
the solenoid has 2 big wires and 2 small wires, 1 big wire goes to the battery + the other to starter +, unplug the two small wires, key off, jump one to battery - the other to battery +,(witch one doesn't matter) the solenoid should click and the starter should spin
that proves the solenoid

 

Thanks Polock,
I will perform those 2 jumper tests and let you know what I find out. I really appreciate it! Ricksta