Staring Problems

This bike is going to end up driving me crazy. 1982 650 Last week I took it for a quick ride up the street got home and turned it off. Then tried to start it shortly after and it wouldn't, but it would push start. Started fine later that day. Now 2 days ago wouldn't start again and hasn't started yet unless I push start it which it starts just fine. When I push the start I can hear the click of the solenoid and I've tested the power and it's getting to the starter. So I'm wondering if it's the starter and if so do I have to replace it. I'm no guru when it comes to mechanics. I only know enough to barely get by. Any help would be appreciated!

 

how good is the battery?

 

The battery is good lights on and everything. And I'm getting the full amount down to the starter so I'm not losing any power due to bad wires which is what I was hoping the problem is. A friend said something about replacing the fuses but I don't know if that would help.

 

You maybe getting enough volts but not enough amps out of that battery is my concern.

 

So I should test the amp output then? Because I'm getting a little less than 12 volts so I know that's not the problem.

 

less than 12 volts can be a problem. And I would test it since it's much cheaper to replace than a starter.

 

How many volts should I be getting with a 12 V battery? And what should the amp output be?

 

Oh and I've tried jumping it to no success

 

You should be getting 12.8 volts. Check out Chacal's parts section here:
New Arrivals, Too Fresh To List and scroll down to the Batteries section. He talks about some tests and stuff that may help you iron things out.

 

First check and clean all thick wire connections: from battery to solenoid, from solenoid to starter. Try to start again.
If you hear the click turn on the headlight and try to start again, if you hear the click, but the light doesn't dim, the starter doesn't draw any current = check/replace the brushes in the starter.
Another check, try to tap the end af the starter with a hammer - with a piece of wood in between. If it then will start its most certainly is the brushes.

 

So with all electrics and bike off the battery is showing exactly 12 volts. I took it to get the lode tested and they couldn't because the fluid is too low and was told the battery was probably toast.

 

sounds about right. A new one should only be about $40.

 

Yeah I found the same brand I have now a Yuasa for 37.99 so i guess that's my next step. I'll let you guys know.

 

I was so done with lead acid batteries, i got a good sealed batt for the Seca, 117 bux at Napa

 

niczummo
I think you should continue to diagnose the starter. And in mean time add water to battery and charge battery.

Your battery likely got stressed from trying to turn a tough starter. Battery too low in water for too long will damage a battery, but at least fill with water and charge it as a try.

You wrote that you tried jumping using another (know good ?) battery. If that jumped battery was good, what will another good battery do?

I would take off the starter and try jumping starter in hand.
Sparks will fly – but it will be fun!

 

Well it was partly the battery but main problem was stuck brushes. Gave it a few good taps and she fired right up. Now she's starting with no problem but I don't know how long that's gonna last and I don't wanna get into taking stuff apart if it's working now. So I'm gonna wait and see for now I guess

 

start motor brushes in spec?

a low but functional battery puts extra wear on them and their wear/replace interval is in the 10k range. There is a BIG margin of error on that depending on if the bike sees a lot of short trips or a few long hauls.

They take a minor amount of digging to get to but they're a cheap fix if they end up being the culprit. Your symptoms fit.