View Full Version : Yet Another My Bike Doesn't Start
squirrel_hunter
20-03-09, 02:17 PM
Yep you guessed it we've got another one...
Symptoms: Clicking from the relay/ solenoid and then the occasional attempt to turn over but it just doesn't have the power. All other lights currently working and not being a big drain on the battery once switched on as you would expect. Alarm functioning correctly (ignore my previous thread that was a red herring).
What I've Done: Replaced the battery which died yesterday (that one was fully charged) with a fully charged battery (charged over night showing c.13.5 amps). Tested the battery when turning over and it drops down to c.6 amps.
The Bike: 99 SV650S, Datatool Veto, left hand seat bolt removed to protect wiring. Reg/ rec is a pattern replacement. I assume if this is now dud then it will still start but not recharge.
I suspect the charging system, but as I can't start it I can't check that. So I'll do the wiring chafing check but can I get some suggestions on what else may be at fault please?
Apollo32_2000
20-03-09, 02:22 PM
have you checked the side stand switch and the clutch lever starter switch haven't malfunctioned.....
_Stretchie_
20-03-09, 02:39 PM
AGAIN.... ???
Do you have a multimeter mate? I am presuming you do BUT if you do not I can bring one around tonight if you want.
squirrel_hunter
20-03-09, 02:45 PM
Yes, again.
Will recheck the side stand and clutch switches but I don't think its them as I know what happens when they stop working (yes that is experience talking).
Yep got a multimeter, but feel free to stop round tonight as I won't be there.
_Stretchie_
20-03-09, 02:50 PM
Yes, again.
Will recheck the side stand and clutch switches but I don't think its them as I know what happens when they stop working (yes that is experience talking).
Yep got a multimeter, but feel free to stop round tonight as I won't be there.
MEOW!!!!!
I've been well pleased since you got that bike... For a change it's been you on the side of the road and me with a :riding: that works..
Eh... EH...
How'd you like that???
squirrel_hunter
20-03-09, 03:01 PM
True, but at least my bike see's the road.
Anyway back to ideas on getting it work again please.
_Stretchie_
20-03-09, 03:08 PM
DOUBLE MEOW...
Mine does.... My bike has been on the road EVERY day, through thick and thin and regardless of the weather
since Monday....
DOUBLE MEOW...
Mine does.... My bike has been on the road EVERY day, through thick and thin and regardless of the weather
since Monday....
ahaha since monday i like it.
_Stretchie_
20-03-09, 09:31 PM
Sorry Squirell, I will stop derailing.
Can anyone help the boy out??
gettin2dizzy
20-03-09, 09:35 PM
Where does the clicking come from? Could be as simple as a crap ground. Have a look to check that the starter motor wiring hasn't taking a beating from something on the road. That'd give you your clicks.
squirrel_hunter
20-03-09, 11:01 PM
Clicking is from the solenoid, will have a look at the starter motor tomorrow. Will see if I can by pass the start switch as well...
Symptoms do sound like a battery not providing enough juice, but you've put a fully charged one in. Have you got a car you can jump it from - prove it's the available (lack of) juice?
squirrel_hunter
20-03-09, 11:17 PM
No I don't own or drive a car. I suppose that I could try it with the charger stuck on it...
_Stretchie_
20-03-09, 11:18 PM
I've got a charger you can borrow
; )
No I don't own or drive a car. I suppose that I could try it with the charger stuck on it...
Charger won't provide the current to do it - they trickle.
Is the second battery new, or a spare that was lying around?
gettin2dizzy
20-03-09, 11:22 PM
Even just check the earthing. If you've a jump lead, connect it to the engine and negative terminal.
phil24_7
21-03-09, 08:01 AM
2 things to check:
1. Jump out the solenoid by putting a jump lead across the 2 terminals, this will let you know if the solenoid is fubar'd
2. Remove the started motor, earth it and see if it'll spin with no load on it. If it does there's not enough juice getting to it, if it doesn't then it's dead!
Regards
squirrel_hunter
21-03-09, 03:40 PM
Right, update time...
Checked all the wiring at the rear of the bike, where I've seen it wear through on my other bike and it all looks good.
Tried starting it with the charger connected. Didn't work but I did blow the chargers fuse. Well at least I know that won't work in the future.
Not been able to check the earth as I don't have jumper cables (or anything good to make one with), but a visual inspection of the wires look fine.
Bridged the solenoid, it gives the same response when trying off the button. It sometimes turns the motor a bit then just clicks. So I assume that this is fine as it is still trying to start it.
Further with the starter motor removed and earthed it spins freely off of the button. So I think that this points to the starter motor being fine and the solenoid too. Also continuity checked the main battery wires and it looks good.
So checking the battery voltage when its charged its fine about c.13.1 amps, in the bike and with the electrics on and off it drops down to c.12.7. So I suspect that the batteries are dead. I'll get a fresh one and then see what happens...
squirrel_hunter
21-03-09, 05:33 PM
Update number 2...
Quick call to George Whites, they have a battery in stock. Great I say I'll be there in 10 minutes. 10 minute taxi ride later and I pick up a new battery for the princely sum of £75 (ouch).
Back home in the garage I read the instructions. Add the acid to the battery and leave to stand. Put the cover over the filler caps and ensure its all sealed. Move the battery over to the charger and notice a small puddle of acid under the battery. Bugger. There is a small split on one side of the battery at the base and its leaking acid. Turn the battery upside down to stop the leak and notice its a little on the warm side. Give George Whites a call but they are now closed.
Looks like another taxi ride tomorrow, and I hope there isn't going to be any fun and games getting a replacement. But until then I'm off to bed to cry :(
phil24_7
21-03-09, 07:35 PM
Poop. Hope it all goes smoothly for you tomorrow.
gettin2dizzy
21-03-09, 07:38 PM
£75 ... jeeez
squirrel_hunter
22-03-09, 06:25 PM
Well someones got to pay for the new showroom.
But good news... its alive!
The guy at George White swapped the battery over without issue so top marks to him.
Had it set up and on charge for about 4 hours before starting it first time on the button. I still think there is something up with the charging system, but its Sunday evening and I have a loud exhaust so I'll annoy the neighbors tomorrow night, plus I'm on my way out.
But at least its running again, hopefully it will get me about tomorrow as I have plans...
phil24_7
23-03-09, 08:40 PM
Hopefully the fault is this easy to trace with Kates 125!
squirrel_hunter
23-03-09, 09:02 PM
Good luck mate.
Tested the charging and the reg is putting 18 volts into it. So swapped that with a spare that will do around 11 - 13.2 depending on what electrics I have running, to me undercharging is a bit better then over charging as I can compensate for that at night and I'm only using it for short day runs at the mo. But that reg is goosed also so I need to find me yet another one.
Apparently Suzuki make them out of platinum hence the price so I need to find a pattern replacment...
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