stranded

clack · Post by **clack** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 6:59 pm

Okay guys, I have absolutely no mechanical knowledge so any advice would be gratefully recieved.

On the way to work this morning, covered 16 miles out of 17 going along fine when the bike dies.

Still have power to clocks and lights etc. When I try to start the bike it clicks, sounds like it coming from a little box tucked inside the fairing under the seat just back from the rectifier.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

cupasoop · Post by **cupasoop** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 7:09 pm

Check the main feed to the starter motor down beside the oil filter. Catches all the crap thrown up by the front wheel and can corrode.

lee67 · Post by **lee67** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 8:15 pm

sounds like the starter solenoid...give it a good clean and cover in wd40..normally cures it

clack · Post by **clack** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 8:13 am

Thanks everyone, I'll do some more investigation today. I have however checked the battery terminals, fuses, side stand and kill switches all of which seem to be okay.

storminateacup · Post by **storminateacup** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:42 am

Check volts across battery, if below about 12.5v wont start it, V twins need good batteries. Charge battery refit and check rectifier output, should be no more than 15.5v at 5k. If it is rectifier is fcuked and so is the battery.

pariah · Post by **pariah** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 11:55 am

Battery should be ok as bike was already running,

I would go for the rectifer/charger. Mine went like that and it eventually cooked the battery. Make sure you change for the metal finned one. This should solve the problem.

clack · Post by **clack** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 1:16 pm

thanks again. I've ordered a multimeter (can't believe how cheap they are these days!) so will have a look. Having read quite a few other posts on the forum looks like its potentially the R/R or the starter solenoid.

clack · Post by **clack** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 3:35 pm

well looks like its a can of beer to cupasoup as the cable connected to the front of the motor has corroded clean through.

Good call as I would never have thought to look there.

Now, is it an easy replacement or do I need to take it to a stealer? I'm happy to strip body work etc. and am working on the assumption its only a case of changing an old cable for new. Guess the main issue is likely to be getting the old corroded cable end off and getting the new one on.

I'm having a look at the haynes manual when it downloads, shortly.

RedStormV · Post by **RedStormV** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 4:27 pm

Eyup duck

Is it the main feeder cable to the starter motor that's gone?

Item 5 above?

If so then if possible replace the crimped ring connector on the end of it with a good quality replacement one. Much easier, and cheaper than replacing the whole cable.

If your rubber cap is still in good nick, then fill this with good thick grease before re-fitting.

Had a similar problem a while ago, terminal had loosened, was a pig to start and sometimes just got 'click' from starter relay too.

Another big clue is that when it's loose, smoke and a strange smell eminate from the front end as the cable gets damned hot!!

Graeme.

*

clack · Post by **clack** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 5:13 pm

Yes the main feeder cable has completely corroded through just above the connector. The rubber cap is crispy to say the least so it was probably verrrrrrry hot at some stage. I need to have a proper look, and see what can be done about the connector.

there's a cable on fleabay at the moment for a tenner which isn't too bad but changing the connector only would save me the agg of routing a new cable.

thks.

cupasoop · Post by **cupasoop** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 5:49 pm

Bellhaven Best please.

Check you can get the connection off the starter motor now.

RedStormV · Post by **RedStormV** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 6:22 pm

Timbo wrote:If you go for the connector only option, crimp it then Solder it as well.

Dammit, knew I'd missed summat! Pah!

Glad you're here to support me Tim

Not sure about sourcing connector, but it wants to be good and thick, as Tim says carrying a lot of current. Don't want to be one of those flimsy alloy jobs from a crimp set. Brass or Copper alloy if you can get one.

Not sure Halfords etc will do one , but a good motor factors probably will.

Perhaps look up a local auto electrician if ou've one nearby and try blag a good one from them - make sure they know it's for a starter lead though.

yorkylancs · Post by **yorkylancs** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:28 pm

You might want to take the end cap off the starter,and have a peek inside.Last time this happened to me,not only the cable burnt out,but the bolt assembly it attaches to.It got that hot that it melted the brush plate mount as well.I put a new cable on but got nothing,just the clicking from the starter solenoid,had to get a new starter.Best thing to stop this is to fit a fenda extenda,or make a cover to stop any crap getting on the connection.

yorkylancs · Post by **yorkylancs** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:28 pm

You might want to take the end cap off the starter,and have a peek inside.Last time this happened to me,not only the cable burnt out,but the bolt assembly it attaches to.It got that hot that it melted the brush plate mount as well.I put a new cable on but got nothing,just the clicking from the starter solenoid,had to get a new starter.Best thing to stop this is to fit a fenda extenda,or make a cover to stop any crap getting on the connection.

yorkylancs · Post by **yorkylancs** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 9:29 pm

You might want to take the end cap off the starter,and have a peek inside.Last time this happened to me,not only the cable burnt out,but the bolt assembly it attaches to.It got that hot that it melted the brush plate mount as well.I put a new cable on but got nothing,just the clicking from the starter solenoid,had to get a new starter.Best thing to stop this is to fit a fenda extenda,or make a cover to stop any crap getting on the connection.