AndyS Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 2003 R1150RT The other day I started the bike and went for a long ride. After about 100 miles, I stopped and went to have a chat with a friend. About 2 minute later I went back to the bike and tried to start it. All I got was a click (or maybe a clack) from the area of the starter solenoid (I guess it was the sound of the solenoid kicking the bendix forward). However that was all I got. The starter motor did not turn at all. While this was happening I made a note that everything else seemed to be normal - load shedding relay switching off lights, but then coming back on at full brilliance after releasing the start button. Also of more importance the clock DID NOT reset to 0:00 After a few more pushes of the button the bike started, so off home I went. A few days later I took the battery for testing, and the Cold Cranking Current was just fine. I refittted the battery and had exactly the same problem -just the click. A few more attempts later and she started. So I took the starter motor off and cleaned/greased it (it was not dirty anyway). Put the unit back on the bike and the problem is still there. Just checked battery voltage = 12.5V Voltage at battery when starter button pushed (with just the click) = 11.03V Voltage at starter motor when starter button pushed (with just the click) = 10.25V Batter terminal good, tight and clean. Starter motor terminals good, tight and clean. Resistance to ground from starter motor body to battery negative terminal = 0.3ohms Anyone else had this? Any thoughts? Andy Link to comment
dan cata Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 2003 R1150RT The other day I started the bike and went for a long ride. After about 100 miles, I stopped and went to have a chat with a friend. About 2 minute later I went back to the bike and tried to start it. All I got was a click (or maybe a clack) from the area of the starter solenoid (I guess it was the sound of the solenoid kicking the bendix forward). However that was all I got. The starter motor did not turn at all. While this was happening I made a note that everything else seemed to be normal - load shedding relay switching off lights, but then coming back on at full brilliance after releasing the start button. Also of more importance the clock DID NOT reset to 0:00 After a few more pushes of the button the bike started, so off home I went. A few days later I took the battery for testing, and the Cold Cranking Current was just fine. I refittted the battery and had exactly the same problem -just the click. A few more attempts later and she started. So I took the starter motor off and cleaned/greased it (it was not dirty anyway). Put the unit back on the bike and the problem is still there. Anyone else had this? Any thoughts? Andy Sometimes on my GS. It also stopped while riding... The battery terminal connections were oxidated. I cleaned them good and no more problems Link to comment
ianboydsnr Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 it has been known for the magnets inside the starter to come unstuck and this can give the problems you describe! Link to comment
AndyS Posted April 10, 2010 Author Share Posted April 10, 2010 So If the magnets come loose (I'm guessing the stator magnets), don't they permanantly jam the motor armature, or if they didn't jam it, wouldn't you hear the armature rubbing against them? Andy Link to comment
dan cata Posted April 10, 2010 Share Posted April 10, 2010 Check the battery connections. If that's ok, it's always good to open the starter and give it a clean inside once in a while. Here's a nice how-to http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/squeaking_starter.pdf Link to comment
David R Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 So If the magnets come loose (I'm guessing the stator magnets), don't they permanantly jam the motor armature, or if they didn't jam it, wouldn't you hear the armature rubbing against them? Andy YES and the starter will be wimpy yet draw a bunch of amps. It is a possibility though. David Link to comment
shane438 Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 Take your starter to a starter or electric motor repair shop and have it tested. Mine did the same thing last Friday, magnets came loose, time to find another. Link to comment
Boffin Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 Take your starter to a starter or electric motor repair shop and have it tested. Mine did the same thing last Friday, magnets came loose, time to find another. If you do not want to go used, try Euro Moto Electrics who have a good rep and are much cheaper than your dealer. No affiliation. Andy Link to comment
Jerry Johnston Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 Not wanting to hijack but can the magnets be cemented back in place? I obviously haven't had this problem but just wondered. Link to comment
AndyS Posted April 11, 2010 Author Share Posted April 11, 2010 If you do not want to go used, try Euro Moto Electrics who have a good rep and are much cheaper than your dealer. No affiliation. Andy Hi Andy, I'm in the UK. (I believe Euromotoelectrics are suppliers to the other side of the pond. Andy Link to comment
dan cata Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 AFAIK, the magnets come loose from the casing because of the heat generated when you press the starter button. This, in time, can cause the magnets to come loose. The new casings, as I recall, have glued magnets and some pieces of metal retaining and not allowing them to come loose anymore. Link to comment
David R Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 Not wanting to hijack but can the magnets be cemented back in place? I obviously haven't had this problem but just wondered. I have done it on lawnmowers with no success. David Link to comment
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