I guess its the starting solenoid??

Well I picked up the rust bucket from the wrecker and managed to get her running. Before she was put out to pasture the old owner rigged a start switch that shorted the solenoid to get it started. I removed the old switch and cleaned out the switch on the handle bar. I cleaned the grounds/earth that run from the battery to the engine. I pulled the starter motor out and gave it a good clean. I put it all back togeather and when I try to start, I only get a clicking from the solenoid. I changed the solenoid with one from the wrecker and still only get the clicking sound from the solenoid. I ran a wire from the earth on the handle bar to the earth on the motor to see if changing the bars was the issue. Still only clicking from the solenoid. The battery is new and fully charged.

I still think it may be the solenoid. I have checked other posts and cant figure it out. I have a voltmeter and have no idea how to use it. Which means checking volts and amps and reisitance and all that stuff is going to be difficult.


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Usually if it clicks, it works.
Try running this diagnostic from Gamuru, and check out his other How-To's.

http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic ... vious.html

You set the voltmeter to Ohms to check circuit resistance without adding 12V power, set it on 20 only to check the battery - should read 12.56 for example. Then there's a continuity setting that's pretty handy; works like a simple test light, it shows just a 1 that drops to 0 if you have a good circuit. I usually use only these 3 settings.

 

Set your volt meter to DC volts. Connect black lead from meter to a good negative, the battery neg post if possible. Connect the red lead to the battery cable side of the solenoid. You should see from 12.8 to 13.2 volts. Connect the red lead to the starter side of the solenoid and press the start button. The meter should show 0 volts until you press the button and then go to battery volts. If this is the result the problem is probably in the starter. If you get O volts the problem is probably the solenoid. If the reading is between more than 0 but less than battery volts when the button is pushed it could be either the solenoid or the starter. (the starter is drawing too much amperage) Switch to ohms and remove the cable from the starter side, connect the red lead to the starter side of the solenoid and push the button. Any reading above .5 ohms is unacceptable and the solenoid is faulty.

 

What happens if you short across the two big terminals on the solenoid? (Caution: sparks will fly.)

 

My thoughts exactly.....well? That's the quickest way to tell if it's bad. If it's bad, the starter will run......provided of course that the starter is ok.

jeff

 

If you short out the terminals, use EXTREME caution. They are very close to the frame and if the frame is accidentally touched, the resulting spark can cause the battery to blow up. The sudden discharge can create hydrogen gas that the spark can ignite. It is a shortcut to eliminate the painstakingly long diagnostic process, but can be dangerous.

 

Before you get too far into doing anything else, ...

Pull the Starter.
Use a Battery Charger or Jumper Cables and see if the Starter spins.

 

if you do the solenoid thing, make sure it's in neutral

 

Just wanted to thank all of you guys that replied and to gamaru for the diagnostic write up. Went throught everything step by step and found that the starter circuit relay is the problem. I have by passed the problem for the moment and will get a new relay soon. Lots of swearing but problem solved.