xj650 maxim Electrical Staring issue Grinding Noise

So my 1981 xj650 maxim has been having trouble with the electrical start. It works sometimes but a lot of the time it just makes a grinding noise and wont start so i have to push start it. Also having an issue with my tachometer making a whining sound when i am riding. Any ideas or input would help a ton thx

 

Are you sure it's the tach? I only ask cuz speedos do that commonly when they're dying. Your tach must be mechanical, I forget on 650, on 750 it's electronic.

I wish I could hear starter noise. Without seeing here's normal starter issues: solenoid, worn brushes, worn gear teeth (least likely, but only thing I can think of that would grind)

 

I'd pull the starter and have a peek inside get covered end by unscrewing the two long bolts. I'm willing to bet you need new brushes, not a tough job.

Update your signature with your bike year, model and location. Perhaps someone is close but if anything its easier when you know what bike you're asking about. Welcome to the forum.

 

Ya mines a mechanical Tach. I can definately pull the starter and take a look but i'm new to working on bikes all together. What should i look for as far as like "worn brushes" or stuff in there?

 

Check this

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=3 ... rt=15.html

 

ok sweet i'll give that a shot

 

You need to find a service manual before you just start tearing into things. The Haynes and factory books are readily available.

 

I bought a haynes manual i've been using for reference and it does help a lot but like i say i'm just new to bikes. So i just pulled apart the starter and looked at the brushes. brushes looked almost brand new no rust or anything but there was some weird plastic looking black pieces that fell out when i first opened it up? I put it back together and it's same as before. It makes a grinding noise sometimes when the battery is fully charged but something is still draining my battery so now that it's almost dead again it's just making kind've an electrical buzz when i try to use the electric start.

Also, Does anyone know if these bikes just can't run without battery power? I push started it and took it around the block but it was bogging down really bad low in the gears and died when i came to a stop

 

you could try to bench test your starter, put 12 volts directly across the starter posts for a second, to see if the motor spins (sorry, should have mentioned that before, when you had it off the first time). that will let you know if the starter is working ok or you need to look further back up the electrical chain.

These bikes needs topped up batteries to work properly, no two ways about it... when you're below 2K RPMs you're actually draining the battery!

 

huh go figure. well i will test the starter and go from there i guess