Intermittent Starting

Good 4th of July, all. I've got a problem- As I mentioned the other day, the PO of my '82 XJ750 Seca told me that the ignition switch was wonky, and that, on occasion, you need to cycle the switch to get the bike to start.

Well, now it won't start. Battery is charged, panel lights bright. Nothing.

I've put in my order for the XJCD, but in the interim, does anyone have a diagram of the switch, or could point me at a diagram, please. I have no shortage of things to do this holiday weekend, but the thought of not being able to take the bike around the block and otherwise play with it makes me a bit frustrated. Also, if you have an idea of what other problems I might be looking for, I'd surely appreciated it. Fuse block? Bad starter switch? Starter solenoid?

Thanks- S

 

I'd start at the fuse block if it hasn't been replaced. check your starter button and solenoid as well.

 

If you've got a meter or a test light here's the quick two steps:
1 - at the solenoid, check to see if the switch is working by seeing if power is coming down the signal wire - if no, problem is the switch. If yes, then:
2 - short the terminals on the solenoid with a screwdriver and see if the starter spins - if it does, then it's the solenoid.
If not - now you have to check the cable to the starter, and the starter itself.

 

This link may help, too.

 

Sometimes an intermittent Starter is due to the accumulation of carbon dust on the Starter's armature.

That might be what fooled the PO into thinking it was the Switch.

Test the Starter Motor as others have described.
Short across the Main Solenoid Terminals.
If the Starter Motor spins every time the Main Terminals are shorted together, the Motor and Solenoid are fine and the trouble is likely in the wiring, Starter Switch loop or Button itself.

 

Boy, thanks for the help- Pictures and some diagnostic routines, just what I needed! I really appreciate it.

A little bit of new information- when I push the starter button I can hear a slight click, which suggests to me that I have a funtioning switch, and that the problemo may be elsewhere.

I've gotta get ready for visitors, but will try a run at it this afternoon.

Thanks again.

 

It sounds to me like a starter solenoid problem. I had the same scenerio and replaced mine with one for a lawn tractor (cheaper and well made) which works perfect. Most small engine repair shops have them. It's worth a shot for a few bucks.

 

So jumping the terminals did indeed cause it to turn over, so I'm going with solenoid. PITA, but at least I know now and can fix it. As I'll not take my BRC until the end of the month having a bike project is just as well. I'll attend to the reliability issue, and be in good shape when I'm ready for the road. Thanks again, all, for your help. As for specific solenoids, I'll chack around and see what's available.

 

Check to make sure you have power going to one of the small wires on the solenoid when you turn on the key and the stop/run is in run position. If so you could then try and ground the other small wire on it, It would be like pressing your start button so make sure it's out of gear. If it turns over you may have a wiring problem to the start button or the button contact point could be corroded.

 

As was mentioned earlier, you can use just about any solenoid out there for a 12V system but you can also open and clean up yours. They are still available and aftermarket or other makes will work too.

 

Hello,
I took mine apart and cleaned it up. I also got a replace ment off of Fleabay. Came off an 1100. Just in case! The one I cleaned has worked fine ever since!
Jst unsolder the leads to the coil itself and take out the 2 screws. Simple.
George