Author |
Message |
Dfbutler
| Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 02:19 pm: |
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I've been experiencing a run of odd, intermittant problems on my 99 S3. The last few days the starter has been going click instead of cranking. A couple of tries has resulted in cranking and starting, but yesterday I gave up and tried to bump start unsuccessfully and then as a last ditch I tried the starter and it started. Does not happen every time and there is no apparent pattern. Solenoid? Starter? something else? |
Thylacine
| Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 02:46 pm: |
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Battery voltage? Loose cables? |
Dfbutler
| Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 02:48 pm: |
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Don't think so, I've got an HID headlight and it goes off if the voltage drops too low. |
Hootowl
| Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 03:04 pm: |
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Check the contacts on your solenoid. I believe you'll find that one side contact as well an the ring contact are eroded. Cheap enough to replace. Disconnect the battery. Remove the three screws on the solenoid cover (on the starter) and pull out the plunger. You'll see the contacts on the sides, and the ring contact on the plunger. These are wear items. |
Maxbuell
| Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 03:19 pm: |
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Starter relay? not sure if S3 have but my 02 M2 does and caused the same promblem. |
Harleyelf
| Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 03:23 pm: |
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Yes, my '99 S3 has a starter relay. I had a similar problem last year. Replaced both relays, replaced all fuses, scraped diodes and battery cables clean and re-installed, and then I finally replaced the ignition switch. That fixed it. |
Sportyeric
| Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 06:28 pm: |
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The starter relay is available at any auto shop for ten bucks. I'd start there. |
Dfbutler
| Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 08:32 pm: |
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I have to tell you, this forum is amazing. Ask a question and you've got an answer in a couple of hours. |
Buellistic
| Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 08:51 pm: |
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Dfbutler: Be sure to tell us what you found wrong ??? |
Jim2
| Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2012 - 11:48 pm: |
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The replacement relays I bought for my 00 M2 are: Duralast Part#19389 Got them at Autozone. probably same for most or all tubers. I had the same symptoms as you described. (Message edited by jim2 on January 15, 2012) |
Dfbutler
| Posted on Monday, January 16, 2012 - 10:57 am: |
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Hootowl, Where do you get those parts? Can you change them with the starter still on the bike? Is the in the FSM? |
Harleyelf
| Posted on Monday, January 16, 2012 - 11:20 am: |
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I see seven pages of how to test and repair the motor and one half page on how to remove and re-install the solenoid plunger. Not a word about repairing solenoids. If you polish anything in there use crocus cloth instead of emery or carbide paper so you don't leave debris. |
Hootowl
| Posted on Monday, January 16, 2012 - 11:22 am: |
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Yes you can change them with the starter still installed, but it's tricky. You need a very short wrench and a lot of patience. I've done it to mine, and a few other's bikes with it still installed, so it is definitely doable. You can get solenoid rebuild kits from HD dealers, just tell them it is for a Sportster. You can find them online too, and for much cheaper. I've posted links a few times...I'll see if I can find them. |
Hootowl
| Posted on Monday, January 16, 2012 - 11:26 am: |
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Here you go... http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/476 23/583070.html#POST1878949 http://www.liquidchopperstore.com/m17756.html Under $12 This kit doesn't contain the spring, but you can reuse your old one as long as you disconnect your battery first. See thread above. |
Hootowl
| Posted on Monday, January 16, 2012 - 11:28 am: |
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Sorry, no, it isn't in the manual, at least, not my manual. Stupid simple to replace though, just time consuming. |
Hootowl
| Posted on Monday, January 16, 2012 - 04:49 pm: |
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Bit of a warning about the kit above: It says it fits sportster, but I'm being told that this may not be the case, as the number doesn't appear to cross. The contacts sure look like XL contacts to me though. I've never installed this kit (got mine from a HD dealer) so buyer beware. Hopefully Al will start carrying rebuild kits soon, and then we'll know we're getting the right parts. |
Coxster
| Posted on Monday, January 16, 2012 - 11:46 pm: |
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If you can get a meter on it, check the "S" terminal ( the smallest one on the starter ) for 10-14V. If you're not seeing any voltage there, look upstream at a relay. If you do see voltage at the S terminal, then check the "M" (Motor) terminal opposite side of the battery cable on the opposite side of the 'Doghouse' as I call it. If you don't see it here the contacts inside are tired. These starters have several similar parts to what is on a few million Toyotas out there, and any old rebuild shop should be able to sell you the contacts and a new plunger too. ( I worked for the Case/New Holland Reman program as a product engineer a few years back - all Denso starters are identical inside, just different sizes ) PM me if you need more help |
Koz5150
| Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 - 09:43 am: |
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I had a similar issue for almost 2 years until I found corrosion between the swingarm ground strap and the frame. I cleaned up the connection by the frame and replaced the washer with a stainless one. problem solved. |
Fahren
| Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 - 10:12 am: |
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Another great resource thread! One problem with just about every possible diagnostic and solution posted up by the collective knowledge of a bunch of old school Buell owners. Unfortunately, as Buellistic and others have stated before, it will eventually end up buried in the archives, where a search may or may not turn it up for future reference. |
Coxster
| Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 - 11:24 am: |
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Koz5150 = Genius! I would have never thought of that. I got my '54 Ford going once by putting a 12 ga wire from a starter bolt to the firewall, so what you say makes perfect sense. |
Dfbutler
| Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 - 04:55 pm: |
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Great suggestion. Is there any simple way to check the ground continuity? |
Harleyelf
| Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 - 05:13 pm: |
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Ohm meter between frame & battery ground and also between swing arm & battery ground. Should read zero. |
S1owner
| Posted on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 - 06:11 pm: |
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I had the same issue on my 96 S1 this past summer i ended up starting at the run switch and going through every point of contact for the ignition. It ended up being the contacts at the starter i cleaned them and resecured them and the issue is solved i also have an ignition issue but that is being replaced |
Koz5150
| Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 - 12:34 pm: |
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I am no genius, it took me 2 years to figure this out on my bike. I found it in a quiet garage and followed the smoke... |
Alphabuell
| Posted on Monday, March 24, 2014 - 12:02 am: |
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The search function worked for me it was like digging up an old treasure. Fixed my clicking start today! 2 years later and its still alive! |