Posted by Fred on May 27, 2000 at 21:21:13:
In Reply to: Re: Solenoid? posted by giro on May 27, 2000 at 20:23:19:
It's not the battery - I've put the old one back in, AND hooked up a battery charger with a 70amp 'starter'. The solenoid clicks repeatedly, the decompression release clanks so it seems to be working, but the starter does not turn over.
I pulled out the starter and it turns when disconnected from the engine. The engine will turn over because I can push the bike while in gear.
So now I'm thinking that the starter motor is shot - enough power to turn over when not under load but not to turn over the engine? Or perhaps it's not engaging properly - does it have to engage or is it permanently connected to the starter gear? Is it possible that the starter gear itself can be seized? I've been looking through the Clymer manual but can't find much on it - other than how to test the starter with an ohm-meter that I don't have. Maybe I'll have to go out and get one...