why would i be hearing a click from the starter solenoid, but the starter doesn't engage?

I'm worried I may have burned out my starter solenoid. When I press the start button, I hear it click, but the starter doesn't engage. When I touch a screwdriver to both poles, the starter turns over fine. Will the solenoid still click if it's shot? I cleaned up and secured all the connections from battery to solenoid, solenoid to starter, and the button makes it click so that must be working.

Do I need a new solenoid? Leaving on a trip through northern michigan tomorrow, I'd prefer not to have to push start it every time.

Anyone have any ideas?


EDIT: It worked fine this morning (button/solenoid/starter) but I may have kept it engaged too long trying to start it. Now it just clicks.

 

Sounds like your diagnosis is correct and you need a new solenoid. Some of the members have had success rebuilding / cleaning them, but IMO it is best to just replace them. You would probably need a couple of hours to try the repair and if your leaving tomorrow that may be a bit of a crunch for time.

Here is a thread with some pics of the rebuild that requires soldering skills - look for the post by Toomanybikes:

http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threa...-where-are-the-connections.71186/#post-474998

 

Yes.

Yes.

Carry a proper size insulated screwdriver and just short across the terminals when you want to start it. Make sure the bike isn't in gear when you do this!!!

 

alright i'll order a new solenoid.. unless i can get one in a shop along the way... is this the kind of thing a bike dealership might have on hand? you never know i guess.

i do have a few hours before leaving i'll check out the rebuild. Thank you guys

 

Battery volts okay?

I had this same issue recently and after cleaning up the connections in the circuit powering the solenoid it works fine.

 

i'm pressed for time and had some thick gauge wire around so i put some eyebolt connectors on it and attached them to each poles of the solenoid. its just like using a screwdriver but i dont have to take off my seat and all the bags strapped to it.

...meh it works