Starting Problem

I wanted to post the problem I am currently having and see what suggestions you folks might have.

I bought an xj550 that was not being taken care of and left outside for the last year. We were not able to get it to start with the starter switch, but we could get it to bumpstart.

Once the bike was home I replaced the battery and spark plugs. I couldnt get the bike the to turn over with the starter switch. I would crank, but never catch. We could still get it to bumpstart.

I have since cleaned the bike thoroughly. Now, I cant get the bike to crank without holding the starter switch in for 10 seconds or so. After the first time it cranks it wont do it again until the next day.

I plan was to check out the starter and clean all of my electrical contacts. I might also take the plugs to get gapped.

Any other ideas would be great. I am itchin to ride!!

 

I think you're on the right track with the electrical contacts, particularly that switch on the handlebar, could also try connecting the battery directly to the starter and see if it turns over better. That would confirm that it's a bad connection somewhere along the line.

 

An easy way to test the starter is as "tibor" said to connect it straight to the battery. do this by jumping the starter solenoid (the two main posts on top of the solenoid). if it cranks your golden. if it checks out go straight to the starter switch, track down the two wires that connect the switch (using diagram if you have the service manual as you should) test it at the connector closest to the switch. test it in ohms if you have a multimeter. you should get no more that .2-.4ohms for a good connection. good luck.

 

Just a quick suggestion. I was having the same problem with my bike, we replaced the regulator, the starter, the spark plugs, and clean all electrical contacts. STILL COULD NOT GET IT TO START! I was so frustrated! my father in-law pulled my gas tank down and where the plug wires ground to the frame it was powder coated so it was not able to get proper ground. We sanded the that part of the frame and it runs perfectly awesome now. Just thought! Good luck

 

I put in a new battery and set the spark plug gaps to the proper size. I cleaned all of the electrical connectors and everything looked good. I tried to start her. It would crank and felt like it was gonna catch but didn't. I don't have the service manual yet, should be here next week. When I get that I can check the different circuitry with my multimeter. I am able to bumpstart the bike though

I want to check everthing else before taking the tank off.

If you have other suggestions it would be great

 

If the bike bump starts but does not start on the electric starter it can only be the battery or starter motor itself. - Voltage being dragged down when cranking - the TCI electronic ignition doesn't like low voltage.

Make sure the battery is fully charged before trying OR bump start the bike and go for a ride - does the bike now start with a bit more charge in it?

It will turn over easier if it is warm.

Make sure the sidestand is up and the sidestand switch out - this will stop the TCI firing.

 

I am looking at getting a starter or rebuilding it. I thought I could check the starter as the other guys suggested.

 

The Haynes manual for XJ's sets aside a few pages just on the starter.
The $64,000 question is "Does the starter motor turn over slowly"?

if the engine and starter are spinng fast, it is likely to be ok.

I am guessing if you can buy a starter it will be hideously expensive!

 

try some different enrichment (choke) settings, don't touch the throttle
it defeats the choke
i just push the button and get it started before i grip the throttle

 

Update--So I got the bike to turn over, i thought. Once I released the ignition button it shut off.

 

schuchman have you jumped out the solenoid yet?

 

schuchman, just to clarify is the starter turning itself but not the engine or is it turning the engine but very slowly? if the answer is yes to the first, your starter is fine but the starter clutch might need work, common problem apparently (see thread http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/p=80925.html). if the answer is yes to the second then the starter is weak and needs rebuilding/replacement. too bad yamaha didn't include a kick start on the XJs...

just be careful about running the starter too long, run for 10 seconds and then let it cool for a minute before trying again, it can heat up quick and burn out, then you'll need a new starter for sure! I'm replacing one today on a bike for that very reason, PO should have known better but i think just didn't care.

 

Last night I was going to try and work on the starter clutch. I thought I would give it a crank to see what happens. It fired right up. Rode for 2+ hours and started and stopped many times. Great night. This morning I went out to start it and it wont turn over. Battery cranks fine, has good juice. Motor doesnt catch. *&%$

 

I think I figured out some of the issues with starting. I looked at the fuse and it was loose. I tried to push it back in and the prongs that hold it into place snapped. After talking to a mechanic, we discussed switching out the entire fuse box to blade fuses. We agreed that would be a better long weekend project.

I ended up using electrical tape to hold the fuse bracket together and slipped the fuse in. Fired right up. Rode to work yesterday and today without any problems starting it.

There are a few other minor things (or minor as I see it), but she runs. Thanks for everyones help. You all had great ideas that eventually helped.