Calling the electricians: I've got no power!

[Drew400]

Thank you both.

Cheers,

D.

[Drew400]

Thanks to a new fuse box and original indicator relay, it's all working and looks somewhat neater!

However, after turning the engine on the starter for maybe a second or so, it stopped working properly. There is some grinding type noise coming from the solenoid, that you can feel if holding it, and it seems like the starter motor may be turning, but only slowly.

Has my solenoid failed? Is there a way of checking (I have a very basic knowledge of how to use my multimeter)? All other electrics appear to still be working fine.

Thank you all,

D.

[hairygit]

Is the battery fully charged?

[Lobo]

...great question hairy git! And here was I launching into complicated stuff....

Drew... assuming your battery is ok, it sounds like your relay is 'chattering' - possibly through (a) low voltage & Hairy Git's solution, or (b) poor connections, or (c) simply failing.

(1) To check the starter switch side of the circuit, take a jumper wire directly from the Red/ yellow terminal of the solenoid to the battery +ve. This bypasses the stater switch & wiring; ie if the starter spins nicely now it implies a problem there. Beware, the moment you connect these two terminals the starter should leap into life.

(2) to check the earthing side of the solenoid circuit take a jumper wire from the solenoid small post (black?) directly to the battery -ve. Press the starter button.  If it's cured the problem the fault lies in the earthing side, which includes the clutch switch.

(3) to check the solenoid, (ie if the all the above don't fettle it), then short the two big posts of the starter solenoid. Expect BIGGUM sparks - use a hefty screwdriver. Basically you'll be connecting the battery directly to the starter motor through your screwdriver... which'll be carrying 80A or so. Exciting... and don't have petrol etc abouts you.

Good luck... I'm with hairygits  idea though.

Simon

[Drew400]

Thank you both,

Job for tomorrow. I think the battery's OK but it's on charge just in case. Hope that's the answer before I launch into all that complicated stuff!

Cheers,

D.

[mike the bike]

Make sure the earth connection on the starter motor is secure,  if it isn't it'll try to get a return path via the gearbox.

[Drew400]

Thanks Mike, will do.

Cheers, D.

[Bryanj]

And make sure the earth connection cable to frame/engine has no paint and tight

[Drew400]

Thanks Bryan,

I'm satisfied with the earth as I had turned over the engine with the starter a few times in recent weeks before yesterday's problem emerged.

Battery showing fully charged overnight has not sorted it out.

If I don't get around to looking at it this afternoon, I'll do so during the week and report back.

Cheers, D.

[Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)]

Drew
My 750 did that after checking all and sunder Trig advised me to strip the motor and give it a good clean might be the same for you but it cured mine.
Cheers
Bitsa

[Drew400]

Hi Bitsa,

When you say motor, I hope you mean starter motor!

Cheers,

D.

[Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)]

Drew
Relax yes the starter motor mate, mine was full of crud and while apart put new brushes in
Cheers
Bitsa

[Trigger]

Hi Bitsa,

When you say motor, I hope you mean starter motor!

Cheers,

D.

Drew, it is easy to test the starter motor. Remove it and place the body of the motor on the negative of your car battery and touch the lead on the positive. If it does not spin freely, then strip, clean with carb cleaner and a little spray with WD40. Make sure all the groves are scraped out with a toothpick.
If it is spinning freely, then move on to the solenoid. 

[Drew400]

Thanks guys,

Something to look forward to next weekend I suspect.

Cheers,

D.