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Author Topic: Starting Intermittent problem  (Read 1910 times)

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D-rider

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Starting Intermittent problem
« on: May 26, 2007, 03:18:49 PM »
This is my first question while being on this forum.  I really enjoy reading all the interesting comment and arguments that happen on a single topic.  My problem is an intermittent starting problem.  There are times that the bike will start with no problems. Then there are other times that the starter sounds like it is draining the battery.  I am fortunate that I can kick start the bike when it won't start.  I am looking for some help in diagnosing this problem. I just don't know where to start.  I will appreciate any information on this topic.

Thanks
D-rider
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Offline Gordon

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Re: Starting Intermittent problem
« Reply #1 on: May 26, 2007, 04:31:30 PM »
Welcome, and happy first post! ;D

What, exactly, is it doing when it won't start?  Does the starter motor not engage at all or does it engage but doesn't spin fast enough to start the engine? 

And with this type of problem it's not quite as important, but in general it helps everyone help you if you start a question with the type of bike you're asking about. 
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Offline 750goes

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Re: Starting Intermittent problem
« Reply #2 on: May 26, 2007, 04:40:58 PM »
how good is your battery and are your electrical connections from battery through to starter motor nice and corrrosion free and clean  - include your ignition switch and starter button in that check as well..

welcome and good luck
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Offline OldSchool_IsCool

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Re: Starting Intermittent problem
« Reply #3 on: May 26, 2007, 04:53:56 PM »
Don't over look an intermittent charging system.  Do your turn signals seem to flash slower or even stall during times of hard starting?
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Offline 750goes

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Re: Starting Intermittent problem
« Reply #4 on: May 26, 2007, 05:08:46 PM »
could also be worn out brushes on your starter motor......
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croquesaveur

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Re: Starting Intermittent problem
« Reply #5 on: May 27, 2007, 09:44:41 AM »
Your battery is charged, right?
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D-rider

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Re: Starting Intermittent problem
« Reply #6 on: May 27, 2007, 11:20:32 AM »
I guess I should of told you that I have a 1974 CB550.  The battery is two years old. I do put the battery on a battery charger when it is not in use or for over the winter.  I had just taken the bike out for a ride yesterday.  The few times that I had stopped twice I had to kick start it and twice I started the bike normally.  I have not check the connection for corrosion at the battery or any where through the starting system.  I did noticed that my turn signal did appear to be slow and the turnsignal buzzer is weak and sometimes does not work.  I just figured that the buzzer is over 30 years old and is wearing out anyway I don't like the buzzer.  I will check some of the suggestions that you have mentioned and go from there.  I will let you know what i find out.

Thanks
D-rider
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Offline jaknight

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Re: Starting Intermittent problem
« Reply #7 on: May 27, 2007, 01:05:26 PM »
Hi D-rider,

     I think a good place to start would be to clean your battery terminals/connections, then get a good strong full charge on your battery.  Follow the other members recommendations from there.........

     ~ ~ ~ jaknight ~ ~ ~
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Offline Jonesy

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Re: Starting Intermittent problem
« Reply #8 on: May 28, 2007, 07:08:07 PM »
Enough electrolyte in the battery?
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Offline Bob Wessner

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Re: Starting Intermittent problem
« Reply #9 on: May 29, 2007, 02:42:03 AM »
Quote
I do put the battery on a battery charger when it is not in use or for over the winter.

Float charger I hope, yes?
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Offline Steve F

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Re: Starting Intermittent problem
« Reply #10 on: May 29, 2007, 03:37:18 AM »
Quote from: D-rider on May 27, 2007, 11:20:32 AM
I guess I should of told you that I have a 1974 CB550.  The battery is two years old. I do put the battery on a battery charger when it is not in use or for over the winter.  I had just taken the bike out for a ride yesterday.  The few times that I had stopped twice I had to kick start it and twice I started the bike normally.  I have not check the connection for corrosion at the battery or any where through the starting system.  I did noticed that my turn signal did appear to be slow and the turnsignal buzzer is weak and sometimes does not work.  I just figured that the buzzer is over 30 years old and is wearing out anyway I don't like the buzzer.  I will check some of the suggestions that you have mentioned and go from there.  I will let you know what i find out.

Thanks
D-rider
Don't forget to check the electrolyte level of the battery, as a low level will prevent the battery from holding a charge, and won't deliver the required amps to start the bike.  Keeping the battery on a charge will eventually dry a battery up.
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D-rider

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Re: Starting Intermittent problem
« Reply #11 on: May 29, 2007, 07:56:44 AM »
I do have some left over fluid from when I bought the battery.  Do I use that or what should I use?
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Offline Short Round

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Re: Starting Intermittent problem
« Reply #12 on: May 29, 2007, 08:41:44 AM »
My 74 550 began doing the same thing at the beginint of this riding season.  I was in the midst of getting some things tuned up on her when I went to start her and just got a clicking noise ion the started sylonoid,  Thought the sylonoid was dead so i finished up my tuneing with the kick start and used the kick start to start her up for a good two weeks.  About 4 weekd ago I  was getting ready to go to work when I hit the starter button and it started right up like nothing was ever wrong with her.  SO I just ignored it since everthing was working well again.  Finally a couple days later I went to start her up to go to work again and a puff of smoke came out from under the side cover that covers all the electronics.  I pulled the cover off thinking something was on fire.  I searched and searched and finally found that the power wire that bolts onto the started sylonoid from the battery had a short in it and after a while the vibrations from riding would make it hit the frame and it would short out. ...........Chris
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1974 CB550

Offline Gordon

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Re: Starting Intermittent problem
« Reply #13 on: May 29, 2007, 09:54:03 AM »
Quote from: D-rider on May 29, 2007, 07:56:44 AM
I do have some left over fluid from when I bought the battery.  Do I use that or what should I use?

Distilled water, only. 
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