It runs! But why is the starter kicking in?

Hey everybody!
After the petcock fiasco, I bought a trickle charger and charged the 550s battery, swapped in new plugs and HOLY CORNFLAKES! It started right up! (well- it had ALOT of choke) but anyway here's the BAD PART:

After running about 30 seconds, the unmistakable chirping sound of the starter spinning started, and it slowly increased to meet engine speed. When I gave it some throttle, (thinking this might disengage the starter) the bike immediately died. It started right up again, and after another 30 seconds or so, it did it again, like the starter was slowly engaging. My hand was nowhere near the starter switch, and since it slowly wound-up and increased in speed I'm wondering just what exactly is going on.

I did a search on this but didn't find anything. Please post any thoughts, and thanks in advance!- John

 

Either your starter switch is sticking or the solenoid is shorting out. I would take the switch housing apart and clean with WD-40 and sandpaper if corrosion is found. I'll let the electrical Gurus chat about the solenoid.

 

Disconnect the real small wires going to the Solenoid. This will isolate the Start Button.

Turn on the IGN. Select Neutral. Set the Kill Switch to RUN. Short across the Solenoid Posts to engage the Starter and give that a try.

With NO signal coming from the Handlebar Controls to close the Solenoid ... the Starter shouldn't run unless there is a problem in the starter clutch.

 

That was my 1st thought, Starter Clutch, but I've never heard of one doing this!!??

I suppose anything is possible!!??

 

Oh- I hope it's not the starter clutch... That would be very very bad. Let's hope there's just enough power shorting in somehow to partially engage the starter clutch- like from a switch or the solenoid....J

 

It's hard to imagine the starter clutch acting that way. Normally, you have it the other way 'round. The clutch slips and the starter won't get the bike turning-over.

Play it safe. Pull the starter and look all around in there. You'll need a flashlight and a mechanics mirror to get as good a look as you're going to get through the small port the starter mounts in ... but, if I was you I'd be looking in there just to see what it looks like, right about now.

You should be able to get a look at enough to determine if there is something contaminating the area. Or ... look for any evidence that the cavity ISN'T getting oiled as it should.

If you can get a good enough look at the idler and the clutch ... shoot some penetrating oil on the shaft and the pins -- if you can see them.

Take a look.
It's pretty easy to do, and ... it's free!

 

Did you ever figure out what was going on? Mine is doing that too!

I pulled the wire running from the solenoid to the starter, closed the circuit with a screwdriver and then left the wires disconnected and it still took off like mad. Then I opened up the starter and cleaned it up but no change.

 

iI have a 550 that does it, i think after taking the starter off you should be able to turn that idler gear (inside where starter was) backwards. If it doesnt wheel backwards its stuck in the engaged position. Needs new starter clutch.

 

I just went out and pulled the starter again, and I cannot turn the idler gear at all. Arrrgh.

 

Just got it figured out.

It was an oil problem all stemming from that stupid leaking petcock (and semi functional carbs). I guess the oil was contaminated enough with gasoline that the right amount of lube wasn't getting to the right spots.

Simply drained the remaining half gallon of gas from the engine, dumped in some cheap 10w-30 from the all night wal-mart (and squirted some through the hole for the starter) and got her running. It took about 15-20 seconds or so of the horrible racket before it quieted down. But after that she started up and ran nicely.

So, now my path ahead is pretty clear: New petcock (on/off is my preference), finish up the carbs, another oil change and ready to roll.

 

Congrats your a lucky man