Suzuki GS450L, Starting problems.

 Hi all.

Thanks in advance for any advice you have.

I just bought a GS450L with the intention of fixing it up a bit -- the
electric seemed to work fine, but the carbuerators were off.  I've
cleaned the carbs, tested the battery, and double checked my
installation to make sure everything's where it needs to be.

Here's the problem:  When I push the ignition switch, the solenoid
clicks, but nothing else happens.  I'd originally thought it was due
to a frayed wire running from the solenoid (negative) to the starter
motor -- but I replaced that today and no dice.  Same result.  The
wire needed replacing anyway, but what would allow the solenoid to
click but the starter not to turn over?

Thanks again.

Christian

 Tomsey wrote:


1. Battery is sulfated and on its last legs. It reads 12.5 volts or more, and
the specific gravity of the electrolyte is correct, but the plates are
sulfated and you only get a surface charge. It the head light works for half
an hour or 45 minutes, the battery is strong enough.

2. Bad contacts inside starter solenoid. Jumper across the terminals with an
old screwdriver. If the starter cranks the engine, it's the contacts.

3. Worn out brushes and dirty commutator. Pull the starter out and open it up.

Look up the minimum length of the brushes and measure them. Replace them if
they are too short. Be sure the brushes move freely in the brush holder.
Check the brush springs to see if they are still strong enough to push the
brushes against the commutator. Use some fine grit emery paper to clean the
brown film off the commutator.

4. Check the crankcase where the starter bolts to it. Excess oxidization of
the aluminum prevents the starter from getting a good ground. Use fine
sandpaper to clean up an oxidization.

5. Check the ground strap to goes from the engine to the frame.Make sure it's
clean at both ends.

6. Make sure the battery ground cable is clean at both ends.

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Tried jumping off of my car battery -- no dice.


Starter does not crank, but spins a bit -- ONLY when contact is
broken.  This strikes me as wierd -- why would the starter try to turn
when the current is ending?



Brushes are in good contact with the commutator -- commutator is
clean.  Starter cranks when I use my car battery.




Wiped it out, but there was no noticeable corrosion.

Looks clean.



Any more ideas?

Thanks for your help-- this is my first bike.  Maybe I should have
gotten one with fewer problems!

 


Yep, I've got a suggestion: How about being consistent with your story?
Well, not consistent maybe,  but there is a tiny bit of information missing
somewhere.

We are within a RCH of identifying the problem.
Be a little more specific (and careful) with your next reply and you will
get the right answer.

 

They don't. Suzuki gear-driven balancer shafts just don't go wrong.


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