Electricery Problems

[CrazyClown]

Hello Folks,

Been a while since I have been on the site due to being in Iraq. As you can see, I am now home safe but thats all another story..... :cool:

I am after some help with an electrics problem on a Suzuki GS 550. In fact, its the rather nice 1 that I built for Rabid & that graced the front cover last months 100%. :D

Problem is it wont start! Not even turning over the motor. It has just undergone something of a minor re-wire due to a charging problem & now all I can get is the thunk of the starter solenoid energizing & nothing else.

It has been a while since I dabbled in matters electrical & me head is still a bit of a muddle after months of too much sun etc. I know it is either the Solenoid (which shows 12+ volts on the starter side terminal once energised) or the motor. Any ideas on how to narrow this down further with the minimum of hassle would be greatfully received.

[Mitch]

first off - battery. Even though it might show 12V, there might not be enough 'oomph' in the battery to turn it over - same as what's happening with Mrs Reject's bike at the mo. Stick a car battery onto it with jumpleads (making sure the car isn't running, as that'll fry the bike's electrics more) - see if that works.

secondly - is there a mechanical sound anywhere near the starter motor - as if there is, it could be the starter clutch which is a git to do - I should know ;)

[Dougie]

Greetings,good to see you safe home!Okay,GS550s eh....?Excellent bikes but the leccy system? :rolleyes:
First,is the battery fully charged?
Have you tried bumping it?
Try bypassing the solenoid by bridging the terminals with the blade of an insulated screwdriver,if it's that the motor should turn over.Mebbe yer getting voltage but not enough current to turn it.You CAN strip the solenoid and clean the internal contacts,but it's easy to damage it...(been there,done that,had a spare.... :eek: )
Mebbe the motor needs a strip & clean itself.
Anyhow,good luck!
Damn,Mitch too quick with his post!

[John Hopkins]

Welcome home, glad you made it back...as to your starting problem just fit a pair of jumper leads from a car that is ticking over...black one to an unpainted nut on the frame and red one to the starter solenoid, it will turn over like the clappers, if it starts put the leads away and read how much voltage you have...14+v would be nice...if you do have 14+v the charging system is working, you only have to check for poor connections and change the battery for a gel type...if it doesn't start, check petrol and plugs for spark..if you still have trouble come back to us, It's always easy to give advice but hard to sort things out without being there..John

[Dougie]

By the way CC,that is one sweet looking GS!I have a soft spot for the things,and it AIN'T a bog in West Ireland...... :rolleyes: :D

[devon-tony]

well it aint the fault of the electrics box that was expertly constructed :P LOL

advice as above really, check the battery, a lot depends on how competent you are with a multimeter etc

will watch this post and help where I can as luckily the black art of leccys is my game :)

but for now Im full to thwe brim with amareto and fancy italian nosh, so will come back when I can read it properly

[CrazyClown]

Right, got battery on charge to ensure maximum effort in that department. I know the Engine is good as it has only done 50 odd miles since its full strip & re-build. Had a new starter clutch as part of the re-build so that also should be good.

All connectors are new, clean & hopefully sound. So I shall hope for more luck with a confirmed fully charged battery.

Watch this space! :cool:

Thanks for the approval Dougie. If ever you want something similar......

[TektroG]

Check not an open cct. Would give you 12V one side of solenoid. Whereabouts are you in Lincolnshire? Anywhere near Norfolk border?

[trikerdrew]

I need to know if you got it running ,cuz I'm a nosey git :D

Hope you have .

If you ain't I'm sure everyone here will have an opinion on why it isn't.We're good like that :)

cheers

drew

[hardtailbiker]

put it in second gear and move it - you may just have a sticking starter, then try it on the button again

[CrazyClown]

Well, thanks for all the top advice, tis now sorted :D

Turns out that I had trapped a wire to the electronic ignition box. A bit of choppin' & a new connector & she is now running like a dream!

Rabid 1 picked her up from mine this mornin' & headed off into the sunrise like a dog with two dicks.

All she needs now is a quick trip to the rolling road to get the jetting to match them pipes!

And once again, cheers for all the suggestions :)

[trikerdrew]

Well done CC,

Elecktricery is an utter b'stard when it is something like a trapped wire.Sometimes they run fine then they don't-utter complete b'stard.


Pat self on back :D

mines a guiness and jamesons-What'll you have??

Smiling,

Drew

[Borg]

Problem is it wont start! Not even turning over the motor. It has just undergone something of a minor re-wire due to a charging problem & now all I can get is the thunk of the starter solenoid energizing & nothing else.

I


Check it isn't a trapped wire to the electronic ignition box. A bit of choppin' & a new connector should fix it

[trikerdrew]

as posted couple two or three back :D

drew