Starter won't stop

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#1 Unread post by **cb360** » Sun May 29, 2005 1:29 pm

Hey there. I've got a weird one. I left my lights on the other day (old bike-must be shut off manually) anyway, I have a trickle charger so I charged the battery and when I went to put it back in and connect it, the bike tries to start all by itself! The ignition is off, the key is out and the engine shut off is in the off position when this happens.

So I checked my Clymer manual in the "Starter Troubleeshooter" section it has one symptom that says "starter runs continuously" - and suggests that I have a stuck relay and suggests that I dress the contacts. I think I'm up to that. But the diagrams and pictures in my manual are far from complete.

Here's the questions I have for you more experienced mechanics.

Is this stuck relay in the starter motor itself? What exactly does it look like?

Any tips on "dressing the contacts" - I assume that means to lightly file them.

Would I have to completely remove it from the bike to work on that relay?

Do I need to drain the crankcase to remove the starter motor?

Also, while I'm in there, would it make sense to replace any brushes or anything?

Thanks in advance.

#2 Unread post by **9000white** » Sun May 29, 2005 2:09 pm

trace the wire at the starter back to where it connects this is the starter relay.the other big wire to it is from the positive post of the battery.there is no need to remove starter.the relay will have to be removed to clean it.it dont involve much.you shouldnt need to replace starter brushes.clean relay contacts with sandpaper.

#3 Unread post by **cb360** » Sun May 29, 2005 4:25 pm

fantastic - that should be much easier than what I was envisioning. I'll let you know how it turned out. Thanks for your help.

#4 Unread post by **cb360** » Mon May 30, 2005 3:31 pm

I found the relay today. It's not exactly a sealed unit, but I couldn't get to the parts I needed to file or sand down without cutting wires. So I busted it open anyway just to take a look and sure enough the flat bar that makes contact looks like it had been lightly welded to the other piece. So I just bypassed the relay and it kick starts on the first kick. I can get a new relay at Bent-Bike for about $20 next week.