Topic: starter switch - yellow wire broke

[74750k4]

When it comes to soldering something like that, I would suggest wicking off the old solder for a nice clean surface to apply a new mound of fresh solder. Your Electronic parts store should have Solder Wick. Tin the newly stripped copper wire with solder before attempting the connection to the plate. You may find a bit of corroded or discolored strands when you strip the wire. Been through this job. Patience.

[TwoTired]

Should I do anything with this piece, where the starter button makes contact and where the yellow wire is soldered too?  I am assuming that the metal square with wires sticking out is the old solder. Would this need to be removed or when I solder to it will it melt and assist in the process?

Under lab conditions (rather than a field repair), I would clean off and discard the old solder and wire remnant, and start afresh.  Flux also aids in solder removal, as well.  This assumes you have a ready supply of solder for replacement.
Take note that the break did not occur with any of the tinned copper.  Tinned wire is stronger and/or less flexible than the bare strands, and that is why it broke there, at the point were bending is hindered.

A third hand is a very nice tool to have, btw.

[nccb]

Ok. I think I did it. I practiced joining wire and then soldering wire to an old copper plug before touching the switch. I am showing continuity when the starter button is pressed at least.

Unpressed:

Pressed:

[MoMo]

Remove the old solder, there was a tool called a solder sucker-it was a squeeze bulb that would suck the solder off when it was heated

[TwoTired]

Ok. I think I did it.

One small step toward becoming a technician. 

[nccb]

Haha, yeah right. Now I just need to install the bars back without causing anymore damage.

[ekpent]

Haha, yeah right. Now I just need to install the bars back without causing anymore damage.

Glad you gave it a go and now you have a new tool to boot and the knowledge you gained researching all the stuff to use it. Will we see a new service around here now "NCCB Custom Solder Repair" in the service section.   

[nccb]

only in your nightmares ekpent. You know, the one where I am in your garage left to my own devices with all your bikes on a dark stormy night with no manual or forum and a fridge full of beer. . . Sounds kind of fun actually

[Nic]

I knew you could do it 

[nccb]

I appreciate everyones replies, but i guess they came to soon.  Something is amiss I reconnected all the wiring and go to turn the key and the starter is engaged regardless of pushing the button   I don't understand why when I checked the continuity and it was dead unless the button was pressed.  I pulled the yellow wire with red stripe in the headlight bucket and it stops 

[Vinhead1957]

The switch connection is hitting the handle bar under the cover loosen the screws and remove the upper control cover and make sure the connection to the button is insulated from the handle bar when you put it back together

[Nic]

The wire you soldered should be isolated from ground, then you push the button and the wire is then connected to ground to complete the circuit. Make sure the wire is isolated from ground, may have put too much solder on the tab.

[ekpent]

When you say starter engaged do you mean it kept spinning like power was full on at the solenoid. ?

[nccb]

Yeah, it sounded as if I were holding down the starter button but it wasn't showing signs of relenting.

[SohRon]

Don't know if you've seen this, but it may help. You may just have reassembled something wrong...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80532.0

[nccb]

It looks like it's grounding out to the assembly. I think I had to much copper wire and it's touching.  I loosened the switch and whenever the assembly touches or even a throttle cable touches it engages the starter. When the aren't pressing the button will so it must be shorting out?

[nccb]

I think I soldered it to far to the left if your looking down on it and the wiring is touching the assembly and the wire retainer.

[nccb]

Alright, I finally got it!  Had to pull everything again and with some helping hands (wife) I soldered it in the right spot so its not touching anything else.  Replugged all the wiring and flipped the key and was overjoyed to not here the starter go off except when I hit the button

After I re-soldered everything my wife was like, "Well that didn't look hard."

[TwoTired]

Another step toward becoming a technician.   


It seldom looks hard when you simply watch a skill being performed.  This is often part of training.  Perhaps you can ask your wife to repair the bike next time, as it isn't so hard. 

[Don R]

Trust us, we've been there. We are so proud to see you fight your way through this setback and come out on top. Like a little victory for all of us. Good Job!

[MoMo]

Perserverance pays off, good job...Larry

[dave500]

well done,switches are fiddly.

[lucky]

Last time I was in Radio Shack I nicely asked if I could borrow a meter for a moment, right there at the counter, to check continuity on some cables.

Answer: NO!

Last time I'll go there:)

Radio Shack is not a free garage that loans tools out.

[dave500]

how long before we get a multimeter app on a smart phone?