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Starting problems

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by ralden96, May 3, 2014.

  1. ralden96

    ralden96 Member

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    Looking for some help with a starting issue. 1981 seca 550. trying to bring the bike back and do not have any real history. have all of the electrical systems working except the start button does not turn the bike over. if i directly cross the large terminals on the starter relay the bike spins fine. the only thing i get from the starter relay is a rapid clicking which i would have assumed was from a low battery but i have already eliminated that option. took the start button apart and cleaned everything thinking i was losing a ground and no change. i have continuity between the blue/white wire at the relay and the junction under the fuel tank. the odd piece i am finding now is nearly 12v on both the red/white and blue white wires coming into the small plug on the starter relay. don't think that is correct. shouldn't the blue white have nothing when the plug is disconnected? any ideas where the voltage could be leaking back from? thanks.
     
    ralden96, May 3, 2014
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  2. ralden96

    ralden96 Member

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    a little more info to go on. if i jump power directly from the battery to the red/white wire on the starter relay the bike will turn but not well. so my best guess is that the relay is not receiving enough power. what could be draining power to that wire?
     
    ralden96, May 10, 2014
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  3. Kwiski

    Kwiski Member

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    Sounds like a bad starter solenoid. Jumping across the posts puts enough power to the starter. But pushing button only allows the solenoid to chatter meaning the internal contacts on the solenoid are not making contact. Check the incoming power(12 Volts) to starter button. Then check the wire at the solenoid (12 Volts) from the starter. If you have ohm meter you can disconnect the two large wires. Check across large terminals when you push button. Also check the grounding also.
     
    Kwiski, May 10, 2014
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  4. ralden96

    ralden96 Member

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    pretty much have eliminated the starter relay as the issue. i can cross the large posts and the bike spins. if i put power to the starter relay the relay clicks as it should. with the power supplied directly and the starter button pushed the motor spins. it looks like i have traced it back to the starter cut off relay. none of the readings match what the manual says they should be. it also has a rattle inside like a blown light bulb. not really in the mood to spend $80 for a new 4H7 relay (black tab). anyone have a good relay for a reasonable price? i know they are on ebay but none of them appear to be tested.
     
    ralden96, May 12, 2014
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  5. donovan

    donovan Member

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    Dude listen to the kwiski you need a solenoid rely could've blown now because of crossing things never man all that is like what a stick is to a tree. Veins in a body I'm certain Dr's do not cross them and say we'll see what happens. When you take power from something else, supply it from a place to where you shouldn't or was never intended it will wreak havoc beyond belief and cost you more.
     
    donovan, May 12, 2014
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  6. ralden96

    ralden96 Member

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    i have already tested the starter solenoid and tried replacing it with a spare. it is not the starter relay/solenoid.
     
    ralden96, May 13, 2014
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  7. adrian1

    adrian1 Active Member

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    adrian1, May 13, 2014
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  8. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    If you think it's a relay, take the can off the relay and clean the contacts with some 600 wet/dry. Only takes a few swipes
     
    Polock, May 13, 2014
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