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Dead silent starter

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by MotoMark, Sep 11, 2007.

  1. MotoMark

    MotoMark Member

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    It seems when it rains it pours around here and there are TWO '83 750 Maxims on the craigslist. Neither of which will start. Go to see the one with lower mileage (12K, not bad). Young lady selling it sez she just bought it , rode it once and then it just refused to do anything next time she tried to start it. Lights come on , turn signals etc but the starter button gets nothing. Zilch. Yes, the kill switch is in the proper position.
    I was hoping someone would have a suggestion for where to start looking at fixing this problem or as encountered something like it before.

    thanks,

    -Mark
     
  2. Robert

    Robert Active Member

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    Yup, got my Maxim because a feller pinched the kill switch wire. Intermittent problem, easy fix. Go for it!
     
  3. ignition

    ignition New Member

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    Starter solenoid can be bad. You can try jumping the terminals with a scredriver if you're feeling brave!
     
  4. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    It won't require a Degree in Rocket Science to make the LOW-LOW Miles Bike GO!

    Buy it!
    Before somebody else steals it!
     
  5. MiCarl

    MiCarl Active Member

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    Some things to check:

    - Fuse panel
    - Corrosion in starter button
    - Corrosion in the kill switch
    - Other dirty/loose electrical connections

    Not even a click? Probably free - $20 to fix. Might pull all your hair out though.
     
  6. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    Pull the starter and sock 12Volts to it.
    Easy way to check that Unit.
     
  7. TaZMaNiaK

    TaZMaNiaK Member

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    Buy it first though!! Don't attempt to fix it till the title is in your hand!! Wouldn't want her to raise the price on you or refuse to sell it now that you got it working.. There are only a handful of things that will cause a no-crank. (and with only 12k, the starter itself is unlikely to be one of them) Crank/no-start can get a lot deeper. If you're willing to 'settle' for a non running bike, you can probably steal it for less than it was advertised for.
     
  8. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    Good call Taz!

    You'll have that NO Crank problem fixed in nothing flat. Which ...
    Raises the question ...

    Is there something that's been done to MAKE the bike NOT crank so you don't find-out about something else until you buy it.

    You can MAKE it Crank with a Battery Charger.
    Pull-back the rubber boot off the Starter.
    Hook-up the RED lead to the Nut.
    Plug-in the Charger.
    Touch the Black Lead to the Engine Case.
    You should get enough info about the Engine not being locked-up, or whatever, just for doing that test.
     
  9. MotoMark

    MotoMark Member

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    Thanks for all the thoughts and suggestions on the bike. I'm still on the fence because the seller wants $900 for it and she's a student and I don't want to feel like I'm taking advantage of her bad luck to offer her less. Don't know how much she paid but probably over a grand or more. And no I don't think there's been any sabotage or subterfuge. Bike could clean up real nice but would certainly take some work and paint and parts. Any thoughts on that price?

    -Mark
     
  10. MiCarl

    MiCarl Active Member

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    900 seems pretty high for a bike that doesn't run. For all you know the tranny is shot, no compression, rod knock, etc. etc. etc. She could be lying to you, or someone coulda screwed her.

    You're taking all the risk.

    I'd think about half that IF the bike looks darn near showroom.
     
  11. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    Take a pic and let us see it!
     
  12. MotoMark

    MotoMark Member

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    I got back in touch with seller and she has decided to pull the bike off the market and try and get it fixed. I think good choice.
    Thanks again for time and input.
     
  13. Robert

    Robert Active Member

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    You could always suggest she check in here!
     
  14. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    If she's really cute I'll bet there might be somebody willing to do a house call.

    Not me.

    I'm up to my neck in getting the Old Max all set for another attempt at taking a long ride.

    Every time I've been on the Launching Pad ... either the weather of a family matter scrubbed the Mission.

    Hey ... I need to ride this bike all day, sometime soon ... it's raring to go!
     
  15. MotoMark

    MotoMark Member

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    AAMOF, I did. I also suggested that if she offers free food and beer to the first three mechanically qualified forum members (that doesn't include me) who will come over and help she'll probably have it running in no time! And have some friends to ride with when it does. :^)
    Let's hope she gets it solved and gets to ride. Weather is fantastic right now.
     

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