This just started yesterday or at least the first time I noticed it. When I engage the starter button, it will take off for about 1 full turn, then pause 1 second, then take off and start. Sounds kinda like some cars will do when the timing is off. Happened again leaving work, so I let off, waited 5 seconds and started fine next crank. Does it in neutral and with clutch in or out (that is usually how I start it anyway). Anyone know if this is a possible weak starter that I may need to think about replacing? I've seen this type of thing go on for years with cars and no issues so possibly this can be normal?
Battery I tested and is good, charging checks out fine, I pulled the battery terminals and cleaned and also the kill switch and starter button I cleaned, and still did it today after doing that.
The starter button / switch looked to be a sealed unit from the top so I sprayed well with electrical contact cleaner. I could pull the switch and check from bottom but not sure I could see any contact points.
Starter relay condition? Not my strength...I generally would just throw money at a problem like that and replace. I'll look at shop manual later...but heading out the door right now.
One more thing to add. When I say battery tested it wasn't load tested on a bench load test. I tested while attempting to start, and looked like it dropped from 13V down to 12.5 or so but hard to catch since it generally starts quickly. I may have mentally eliminated the battery since after the pause it winds right up and starts without issue. No idea how old the battery is, but it's surely not the original.....I think.
Excellent, just what I needed to know. Thank you for the pics Old Dad, yes now that I see it comes apart I can clean better for sure.
Captain....that is what is strange, it never fails when I first press it, fires, slows, then fires again...that is why I thought more starter. But still could be dirty contacts. I'll prob. tear into it Friday since I'm caging it tomorrow anyway.
If you leave the key off and run a heavy jumper wire from the battery directly to the starter positive terminal, you can duplicate the cranking without starting the engine. Have your meter on the battery and watch the voltage. It should be over 12 volts and when cranking go down to about approx 9.5 to 11.0 volts or so.. I just wonder if that reading you got before at 13 down to 12.5 is correct. Then it would show a poor internal connection or worn brushes in the starter. Cranking for 5 seconds a few times may show if it is the starter or other wiring or switches. You will see the strength of the battery also.
Thank you Swifty, I was planning to replace the battery next spring anyway but it appears all is now well!!
You guys rock, didn't wait till Friday, simple fix and done. Hung a small 1 gal bucket from the bucket list from bars and pulled and cleaned. There was some crud in there, not alot but enough. Cleaned with alcohol, lubed with SuperLube synthetic grease and works perfect..at least 5 times in a row. Also, prior the switch felt 2-stage, press, then stop, then in further then stop again. Now it is one smooth motion. Should have known, I fixed the turn switch also that had a crud problem.
Captain....I'll be over in the morning for the AM ride before the heat gets there!! >
Went to start today and for some reason it didn't fire right up...then got the clicks after about 3-5 seconds of cranking. Took out and had it properly load tested and battery failed (after i recharged it). 108 cca instead of the rated 190 cca.
Strange that after the button clean and lube it acted so perfect, then NOT today, after I just had a long ride yesterday. Voltage check still good, just pukes when you put a draw on it.
So, I ordered a Yuasa AGM and went to pick it up and the friggen battery they tried (Honda Dealer) to give me was 3/4 inch taller. I told the guy no way, it was tighter then a bulls ass in a fly storm getting the shorter one out! And the battery holder and fuse holder sits just on top. Their friggen books are wrong!! Tried to sell me the std Yuasa 190 cca for $75.00 and told him I could get a Scorpion AGM 220 cca for $67.00 and no thanks.
Now I'm down for 3 days because I'm a stubborn fool sometimes! :frown2:
Moral of the story--- volt testing tells half the story and follow through with a proper load test when you suspect your battery.
Better ride real fast if you want to ride with the Captain D. Over night low here is going to be 70* with high being around 90*. His will be a little higher temps.
KSU 45 minutes...
I`m riding a few miles with Jason & Sara this morning, he`s going north to Sturgis, I`m headed east to Andersonville and Troys` in Montezuma for breakfast...
And the song on the radio plays "It`s a beautiful morning" and "Here comes the Sun"...