1. Some members were not receiving emails sent from XJbikes.com. For example: "Forgot your password?" function to reset your password would not send email to some members. I believe this has been resolved now. Please use "Contact Us" form (see page footer link) if you still have email issues. SnoSheriff

    Hello Guest. You have limited privileges and you can't "SEARCH" the forums. Please "Log In" or "Sign Up" for additional functionality. Click HERE to proceed.

Starting problems

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by jtalafous, Apr 6, 2013.

  1. jtalafous

    jtalafous Member

    Messages:
    130
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Austin, TX
    Hi Everyone. I have an 1982 XJ550 Maxim that I restored to perfect condition in Austin, then as luck would have it, I got a job in Chicago and had to put it in storage for about three years.

    I think there is a problem with the solenoid or starter. I can start it randomly, about 1 out of 6 attempts with a freshly charged car battery, but when I go to try with the motorcycle battery, the solenoid kicks in but the starter tries to turn over but can't. It's a brand new motorcycle battery fresh off the charger.

    Given that the XJ550 was in storage for so long, what do you think is the problem? Solenoid or starter? Do I need to get new ones? Are there contacts to clean? Do starters fade away or is it just not getting enough current?

    The good news is that I can get it started on a car battery and all the carb syncs that I did are working fine, so it is just a matter of getting it to start reliable. Thanks for any advice.
     
    jtalafous, Apr 6, 2013
    #1
  2. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

    Messages:
    19,647
    Likes Received:
    6,754
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    The City of Seven Hills
    The solenoid is working or the starter wouldn't move when you hit the button. I'd suspect that the motorcycle battery is fault even though it is new. Have it load tested. If it checks out then move on to removing the starter and cleaning the commutator, replacing the brushes, and inspecting the bearings (replacing them if needed).
     
    k-moe, Apr 6, 2013
    #2
  3. swe-eet

    swe-eet Member

    Messages:
    85
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Location:
    steubenville ohio
    I'm going too add one thing to Moe here. Just because a computer tester add a load on the battery and it reads good.it dose not mean the battery still ain't bad. Reason I say this is because it happen to atleast 1 of 10 customers I get at work. Ill load test and even fresh charge them and it reads fine however once its hooked up in the car bike etc by the time all the electronic stuff kicks on it still wont fire. Basically what I'm say is a tester is nothing to real world and it might say one thing but it will do something else. So if u have a battery warranty on it just exchange anyway. Sorry to just add in like that but just shareing a little know how from what I do day to day. But if it still don't help do what ever others are saying to do.
     
    swe-eet, Apr 6, 2013
    #3
  4. biggyfaction

    biggyfaction Member

    Messages:
    101
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    cedar rapids iowa
    Happened alot when i worked in the local auto parts store
     
    biggyfaction, Apr 6, 2013
    #4
  5. adrian1

    adrian1 Active Member

    Messages:
    1,818
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Location:
    Australia
    1 out of 6 starts from a car battery? Suggest you pull the starter motor. Its probably long overdue for attention anyway.
     
    adrian1, Apr 6, 2013
    #5

Share This Page