Electrical Gremlins, Starter Edition

[Son_of_Dog]

Alright,
So I've done a lot of things here chasing this little gremlin bastard through the bike and it's getting a little tiresome. I'll write the things I think I know down here so that we've all got some documentation for the starter issue I'm having.

Symptoms:
Intermittently, of course, the bike will just "click" when the start button is pressed. This sometimes causes the gas needle to drop to empty, but other than that, no change of anything on the instruments. I can "click" it again immediately, and have taken to just clickclickclickclickclickclicking the button until the motor turns over and the bike starts. When it starts, it runs fine. I believe the clicking to be the starter solenoid pushing the bendix gear forward, but the starter motor doesn't turn over and start the bike.

Things explored/done thus far:

• Replaced starter motor with Toyota starter motor
• Stoned off any carbon on the "plunger" (not sure about the actual name of this part) within the starter solenoid, cleaned it up and made sure contact points were good.
• Added extra battery cables to the starter / ground, insured that those contacts were clean
• Took apart and cleaned clutch switch
• Took apart and cleaned starter button
• Examined starter relay (maybe?) on the right side of the bike, didn't look burned or bad

I intend to test around the starter relay next, and maybe try to replace it and see if that helps. If anyone's got any bright ideas or experience with this one, let me know.

[1olbull]

Gage,
Get thee to DeCosse - Ken

[Son_of_Dog]

I may have had him chime in on the other forum, but he's been quiet for a little while. I feel bad summoning him, because I'm sure he's just eaten up with people asking for free help.

[1K9]

You replaced the whole starter and it did not fix it? I though the Toyota unit came with the solenoid. Can't wait to see which Gremlin it is. Could you please revisit the model # of the replacement starter motor. Was it from a Solara?

How do you check to see if the stator is charging well? How does one check the regulator? Mine has been hesitating after resting a few days.

[Son_of_Dog]

Replaced the starter motor with the starter motor of Toyota OEM part # BSR3274X. Yes, from a Solara, and a whole bunch of other Toyota vehicles. I got the one by DB Electrical, so my actual part # is SND0253. Here's a link to look at it:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007XUIKZC...v_ov_lig_dp_it

As for checking the charging, at Kevin Frazier's direction I checked voltage while the bike was running and came back with 14.3v. I assume that's a healthy voltage at the battery while idling. As for the regulator, I'm not sure and will have to defer to the more experienced in the crowd.

[EasTexOutlaw]

If when it just clicks, you rock back and forth a couple of times and then it starts, you shoulda replaced that solenoid too

[Son_of_Dog]

This has not been the case

[1K9]

The solenoid mechanism is part of the starter assembly. I asked about the voltage because I think mine is weak.

[1olbull]

Have you Have you doubled up (8 to 4 guage) on your positive and negative cables to the battery?

[Son_of_Dog]

Yes, doubled up with Mad Dog's old battery cables that were replaced with Mitzy's big ones

[Speedy]

Remember there are safety switches in the starter circuit. The clutch, neutral, and side stand have switches too. The relay under the side cover can have poor contacts which may send some juice to the starter solenoid to make it click, but not enough to make good contact on the starter motor contacts.

Good luck.

[Son_of_Dog]

Can someone tell me where the side stand switch is on the touring? I haven't checked that yet.

[Son_of_Dog]

I'm going to replace the starter relay this evening, and maybe the connectors for that relay as well. I haven't been able to repeat the failure to start since yesterday afternoon.

[Son_of_Dog]

Purchased a new relay. Went on a little ride, still could not get the problem to repeat. Didn't change the relay out, will try changing it out when the issue happens again.

[Son_of_Dog]

Problem repeated. Swapped relay, no improvement. Ordering solenoid repair kit on ebay today.

[1K9]

There is an O ring on the starter. I pinched mine reinstalling the starter and ended up leaking oil. Lube the O ring before re-installing the starter.

[Son_of_Dog]

Okay, I've ordered the solenoid repair kit and it'll be here as soon as the shipping companies feel like it.

I've noted a strange coincidence with the intermittent issue and me backing the bike down the driveway while it's off. The bike seems to have a hard time starting after it's been backed about 20 or 25 feet while off. I've been scratching my head over this a little, because I don't see how backing the bike a considerable difference should cause it to have issues. Rocking it back and forth does not solve the issue.

[Steel]

Possibly the gear position sensor. It shouldn't be affected by rolling in neutral, but the transmission may drag a little. Do you sometimes have trouble getting the green (neutral) light after you roll her back?

[Son_of_Dog]

Not that I've noticed. Ever since Kevin taught me how to keep my clutch cable tightened properly neutral has been pretty easy to find.

[Steel]

I wasn't talking about it actually going in neutral. I mean the neutral light coming on. My Roadster doesn't recognize neutral, so I have to pull in the clutch and raise the kickstand to start it.

[Son_of_Dog]

Absolutely could not get the bike to start today. Really frustrated with it at the moment. Solenoid kit is in the mail, really hoping that fixes it.

[EasTexOutlaw]

Dang, I hope you get it sorted

[1K9]

I just installed an Antigravity Battery Tracker. Must have mod if you doubt your charging system or battery is 100% Recommended by Kevin. Tells you on the phone, voltage history, cranking amps cycles, voltage charging voltage at low and high RPM over the course of a month! You know if your battery is low before pressing the starter button after resting the bike. This thing is just great. 35$, killer price. Definitely getting their Lithium Battery Product. Has a restart reserve function in case you leave your lights on or there is a current draw that would kill any other battery. Better that gas reserve.

Had a connection issue with the Android and Chad, senior tech and developer calls me to help! You just cant beat that. American boy's product and ingenuity at work.