WON'T START (Solved)

[Hook#3287]

So, today was in the 60's and we don't get that much in November.  Even though I had already pulled the battery and drained the carbs, I put her back together for a spin.  Everything was cool, she started after a few 10 - 15 second winds with the starter, and I went to check out a job I'm going to start soon at a local bank.  Got there, looked around, saw what I needed, put the leather on cause the sun was getting low and a chill was setting in.

Hit the starter button. Nothing and the button sticks in.

WTH!  Guess I shudda done the starter switch maintenence.

Luckly, the bank parking lot had a hill and I was able to bump start her.  

I didn't let that ruin my ride and put about 25 miles just cruising and only 1 cager pissed me off, not bad.

This is where it gets funky.

Get back home and I take the switch apart, looks a little dirty, clean it up, put a dab of grease on the slider part, put it back together, push the button and the dang thing sticks in again.  Take it apart again and clean again, the slider moves fine with the button and it's white case.  Put it together with the black cover and it sticks.  The little ball bearing under the switch moves fine.  

Then I remember I have the original starter switch assembly cause I replaced it once for a reason I can't remember.  So I take the starter button from the original assembly apart and using just the button and it's white case, I put it together with the newer assembly on the bike and it works great.  Switch goes in then comes out.   Turn the key, hit the button, lights go dim but no start.


This is the one I took off the bike today



The one on the right is the original


Their different, but work the same.

So now I'm thinking "did I toast my starter riding it home?"  It didn't engage sitting in the parking lot so why would it when running.

Maybe the battery?  

I'm the first to admit I suck at electrical stuff, so can anyone tell me how to test the starter while it's on the bike, so I can (hopefully) rule that out.

[Bone]

Just maybe the few 10-15 second spins getting her to fill the carbs was to much for the battery. They need enough juice to spin the engine and fire the ignition.

[Hook#3287]

I was thinking that also, but I rode her about 5 miles after the first start and I took the battery off the charger.   I got a Ohms (?) meter somewhere.

I hates those lectrical gremlins!

[Thunderbolt]

You can eliminate the starter button as the culprit if you turn the ignition on and short the two large bolts on the starter solenoid.  When you short them, you are bypassing the starter button and the solenoid. 
Before you do the above, if you press the starter button and you hear a click, the solenoid is operating.  If it clicks and the lights dim, it could be that your battery is weak.

[R J]

Ur battery is taking a trip South without ya.

[Hook#3287]

How do you use this thing?   I think it's broke, doesn't register anything.  What setting do I use?

[Hook#3287]

Ur battery is taking a trip South without ya.

I'm ready, maybe I'll go with it.

[Ricky-D]

Your meter requires a battery also!

And by the way, I think you have a worse problem with the starting system.

The reason I say this is because: when you press the starter button the headlight should go out!

If all it does, is dim, then there is a greater problem, one that you are missing.

***

[Hook#3287]

Thanks everyone for the responses.

Your meter requires a battery also!

And by the way, I think you have a worse problem with the starting system.

The reason I say this is because: when you press the starter button the headlight should go out!

If all it does, is dim, then there is a greater problem, one that you are missing.

I put a new battery in it. (The meter)  Is there a fuse somewhere?   Can anyone tell me where to set the dial?

I hope your wrong with the starter issues

I didn't check to see if it went dim or out, but I will.

I'm going to try different battery, after I put the starter button back together later today.

I'll post the results.

Thanks

[Hook#3287]

Pretty much ruled out the battery, tried with two others and the same.

Light goes OUT when I hit the starter button.

First time today when I tried it, it spin a couple a times and some clicking was coming out from the starter area.  Then nothing. :'( :'(

Soleniod?  Starter relay?  Starter?

What's the next step?

You can eliminate the starter button as the culprit if you turn the ignition on and short the two large bolts on the starter solenoid

Where are those?  Looked on the fishe, is it #4?


Thanks

[Hoser]

Thanks everyone for the responses.

Your meter requires a battery also!

And by the way, I think you have a worse problem with the starting system.

The reason I say this is because: when you press the starter button the headlight should go out!

If all it does, is dim, then there is a greater problem, one that you are missing.

I put a new battery in it. (The meter)  Is there a fuse somewhere?   Can anyone tell me where to set the dial?

I hope your wrong with the starter issues

I didn't check to see if it went dim or out, but I will.

I'm going to try different battery, after I put the starter button back together later today.

I'll post the results.

Thanks

Set the pointer on 50V on the dial, then use the red probe to the positive side snd the black probe to the ground side, but I'm not sure you should try this without supervision.  Sorry, JMHO.  Hoser 

[Hook#3287]

but I'm not sure you should try this without supervision.  Sorry, JMHO.  Hoser

Ha Ha, Very Funny  

I'm the first to admit I hate electrical crap.

Any ways, the meter is toast.   The fuse is located in the case, but it seems okay.  I put another "New" battery in it and used a screw driver instead of the fuse and still no reading on the meter.  Brand new, never used POS. Into the trash.

Don't know if it's good news or bad, but I located my problem.  It turns out the starter button is what's wrong.   If I push it all the way in, no connection.  Let it out a bit, she starts up.

Seems like the weak link in the starting system, as I must of replaced the original years ago and forgot why.    Hey, it happens!

Kinda wish it was the battery, cause I know I'm gonna need a new one soon.

Just glad it wasn't the starter.

Thanks to all that tried to help.

[Gryphon Rider]

Set the pointer on 50V on the dial, then use the red probe to the positive side snd the black probe to the ground side, but I'm not sure you should try this without supervision.  Sorry, JMHO.  Hoser 

Agreed.  I suggest you (Hook#3287) find someone local who is good at diagnosing motorcycle mechanical problems to help you.  What you are trying to do would be like me trying to restore an antique painting.  All you need is an Xacto knife, a few brushes, and some paint, right?  I'm not saying you are incapable, just that you need some local instruction.

[Hook#3287]

I'm not saying you are incapable, just that you need some local instruction.

I'm glad your not saying that cause you'd be wrong.   

Just so everyone knows, none of my bikes have seen the inside of a shop, except my own, and no one else has ever worked on them since I've owned them, except for the first front tire back in 2000. 

I've done all my own repairs and maintenance, including clutch plates and water pump, to list a few  repairs.  I'm no master mechanic, but I know my way around a tool box and shop.

I am not experienced in electrical issues, so I look to this board for that, with graditude for the help I get.

I try to help others on things that I feel I can.

That, to me, is what this place (tech board) has always, and hopefully will always, be about.  Getting and giving help.

This site rocks, we make it that way, period!