Looming Starter issue ?

[wayne]

My RE is back from 4 years away. While it's running well, something new has appeared.

Occasionally when I hit the starter all I get is a "click click". Nothing else. And then, perhaps the next try or the one after that the starter spins the bike over like there was no problem at all.

This "click click" seems to happen randomly. Battery voltage is high 12's (and obviously must be good because she's got oomph when the starter finally decides to spin).

I don't get electrics........but there must be some of you out there to whom these symptoms are probably obvious.........any ideas appreciated.

Thanks,
Wayne

[Jess]

Check your contacts in the switch button... They oxidize.

Check the cable ends from the power cable to the solenoid... They oxidize.

Check the battery cable from the solenoid to the starter... again, you guessed it... they oxidize.

I use a fine emory paper... if that doesn't clear her up, then it is most likely a weak solenoid...

I have NOS in stock

Best,

Jess

[Jess]

P.S.

She looks lovely... nice photo mate.

[ziggystardust]

Try cleaning up the main earth cable and contact area to the frame.

[re5man]

Hi Wayne,I have checked all the above trying to sort out my starting probs but also removed the starter motor and dismantled it.Found a lot of black crap under the brushes and around the commutator.Cleaned everything up with white spirit and very fine emery.Probably isn,t what your prob is but worth doing to help the battery.Cheers,Shaun.

[wayne]

Thanks all. I've removed all the said cables and given them a good wire brushing and replaced the nuts and washers with stainless. Gave the main earth cable a clean up as well and checked the starter button itself. Didn't remove the starter motor but the problem is still there. The "click click" is of course the solenoid so looks like a new one from Jess.

Wayne

[pmcburney]

Nov 21, 2010 15:11:57 GMT -5 wayne said:

Thanks all. I've removed all the said cables and given them a good wire brushing and replaced the nuts and washers with stainless. Gave the main earth cable a clean up as well and checked the starter button itself. Didn't remove the starter motor but the problem is still there. The "click click" is of course the solenoid so looks like a new one from Jess.

Wayne

Hi Wayne,


I had a similar problem to this on one of my Katanas a while back.

It presented itself as a dud battery or bad earth problem.

I charged/cleaned/filed/emery-papered/tightened/replaced everything and it made no difference - the starter motor really struggled to start the bike.

In desperation I pulled the starter motor and found what was mentioned above - a lot of oxidization (?) on the commutator contacts and the brushes themselves, preventing decent electrical contact.

I cleaned them both up and voila! instant improvement, and it didn't deteriorate after that.

I don't know how or when it started, but a good cleaning was all it took to fix it.

Now, your issue may be a bad earth, it certainly pays to check, but you should dismantle the starter motor and eliminate it as well.


Good luck
Paul McB

[wayne]

Thanks Paul. After writing that second email where I mention that it's still click clicking, I went for a good ride today and John Steain, Thompson, Ikin and myself all played musical bikes. I wanted them to ride it to see that it has no hesitation or other problems as both Steve and John are new owners.

Anyway, the starter performed flawlessly all day with multiple starts as we were constantly swapping bikes. Obviously the cleaning of all the contacts did indeed help. But in the near future I will remove the starter as well. Also a good hint as I have another starter on the restoration project and I'll have a good look at it while I've got it off.

Thanks,
Wayne