Need help starting bike

1981 Xj550R Seca

Just got new sparkplugs and oil and finally got some mufflers and an air filter on it. If it runs, it runs good. It doesn't really want to run though. It won't start, there was the issue where it wasn't firing until you let off the starter button, but I read up on that and now that it's on a battery charger, it seems to be firing more consistently. I checked the fuse box and there was a bad connection there which I fixed, and it seems to want to start right up more often than not now.

But when it does start, the starter doesn't want to disengage/hangs and sometimes makes a whirr noise after you let off the starter. I had it running for a bit and it wasn't wanting to rev and when it died, the starter made the same whirr so I guess it's dragging on it? I mean, I'm sure as many times as I've poked and prodded and started it, the starter is probably not at its happiest, but it had this issue when I first attempted to run the bike, so I'm wondering if I do just jump in and throw money at a new starter, if I won't have this same problem still.

Do I just need to clean the brushes? Rebuild the starter? Starter clutch? Relay? Give it a mean look? What in the world am I doing wrong here? Keep in mind, this bike has been sitting pretty much since the 80's from what I can tell. The previous owner went through it a bit a few years ago, but other than that it's a decently low miles bike and it didn't get that way from being pampered, and so far everything has been gunked up beyond belief (Kroil even met its match.) and if there's something I don't know about that needs ungunked, I'd say that's it. If not, then please start pointing me directions so I may blindly follow and figure this out. Thanks in advance.

 

".... I had it running for a bit and it wasn't wanting to rev and (w)then it died...."
Is not a starter problem.
Not saying that your 34 year old started doesn't need to be rebuilt. It just sounds like something else is going on.
Is the battery new?
Have valve clearances been checked?

"Giving it a mean look" just may help, but then step back and reflect on what has NOT been maintained in 34 years and start to replace/ rebuild items that require attention to make your ride safe and reliable.

 

I know that doesn't work for me... my boss gives me mean looks all the time, and I still never work!
PS did I type boss or wife up there? hehe