Another 85 Magna problem

 I'm gradually narrowing down my problems...

This one just started a week or so ago.

Sometimes when I push the start button the starter doesn't kick in.  The
headlight dims but there's nothing but silence.  I'm pretty sure this means
the starter switch is good.  If I turn the key off and back on it will
usually fix the problem.  Lately its gotten worse.  I'm guessing there's
something up with the starter but I don't know much about how that system
works.  Any ideas?

 


This may be more of a coincidence than a real symptom.

Easiest things first.
This could be the first sign of a battery going bad and/or the charging
system failing.
Test the battery (battery shops will do this for free).
Then test the charging system (most battery shops will do this too, often
free).

After that comes the solenoid and the starter itself (worn or stuck brushes
or a shorted winding).

 Richard Slay wrote:


Sounds like a high resistance in the ignition switch which could mean
not enough voltage getting to starter relay. Try some switch contact
cleaner sprayed in switch. I think the solvent in it will also dissolve
paint so watch it.

Ian Singer


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On a bike that has been sitting, this is not uncommon...sit down with
some time and patients and clean ALL the electrical connectors that
you can find, starting with the ignition system.