Triumphrat

Captain_Rat · 10-03-2006, 08:57 PM

Okay, I thought my last tuneup might have solved this but it didn't.. I keep the bike on a battery tender and have no problems starting her when I first pull her out and she's cold.

But when I get her nice and heated, shut down for a while (going into a store, etc) and then try a restart it frequently will turn over a few times and then hit soundsf like a hard CLANK and then she stops turning over. After a couple/few more attempts she usually starts up.

So, what do ya think? It has new plugs, air filter and full oil. Am I dealing with a starter going bad on me?

Capt.

Limey · 10-03-2006, 09:41 PM

I was thinking starter.

6485 · 10-04-2006, 06:32 AM

Quote:

On 2006-10-03 19:41, Limey wrote:
I was thinking starter.

me too capt, sounds like it to me.

ssregal39 · 10-04-2006, 08:33 AM

yeah, starter. sounds like there is an open in the solenoid. :-D

Captain_Rat · 10-05-2006, 09:16 AM

Guys, please excuse my ignorance. Isn't the solenoid external to the starter? Isn't this it below? If so, I can get it much more cheaply that the starter. What's your guess. Which do I need?

Thanks,
Capt.

Devious2XS · 10-05-2006, 09:23 AM

With the "clank" you mentioned, I would pull the starter and check the Bendix teeth and the teeth on the ring gear as well.

HotSkeete · 10-05-2006, 09:52 AM

It sounds like possibly the starter solenoid. Starters really should not be going bad but yes, I know it happens.

Have you checked the water level of the battery lately?

[ This message was edited by: HotSkeete on 2006-10-05 07:53 ]

Captain_Rat · 10-05-2006, 10:35 AM

Well, it sounds like the right thing to do is:

1. Open the case and check the Bendix teeth.
if they look okay...
2. Spend the $30 to replace the solenoid.
if that doesn't work...
3. Spend the $130 to replace the starter.

Thanks for the help guys.

By the way, where does the ignitor coil reside? Is that a potential culprit? I'm reading enough to just make myself dangerous here.

Capt.

Curmudgeon · 10-05-2006, 11:30 AM

If the problem was with the starter, I'd expect that starting would be most problematic when it's cold, when the oil is thick.

But we know the bike starts easily when it's cold, right after the bike comes off the Battery Tender, but not after the bike has been run for a while. That suggests the battery is not at full strength after it's been run for a while. To me, it sounds like the problem might be with the alternator or voltage regulator.

How long does your Battery Tender remain in charge mode after you connect it to the bike after a ride? If it's more than a minute, it sounds like you're battery is getting run down while you ride.

Limey · 10-05-2006, 11:39 AM

When the stator(alternator) whent on my old bike, it just ran the battery completely flat, bike died while riding.

[ This message was edited by: Limey on 2006-10-05 10:10 ]