Topic: Won't turn over with the push button

[Deke512]

Hey Guys,

I have a 1981 cb650c. It won't turn over with the starter button, solenoid just clicks. When I take a screwdriver and touch the two bolts across the top of the solenoid I get sparks, starter rolls and the bike starts.  I have a brand new, fully charged battery. Head lights are full, turn signals, horn, everything electrical seems powered. I've hooked jumper cables from my car and it still just clicks.

I was searching for a new solenoid but no luck and thought that since it runs great once I "hotwire" it maybe someone may have know of another culprit.

Thanks for any help. No need to welcome me to the forum, I just haven't been here in a while and forgot my name and pass! :]

[new2novas]

looks like you will most definetly need a solenoid...well maybe...try tapping it with a hammer while holding in the start button, if that gets it to go it will need a solenoid, but there is also the possibility that its not getting the proper voltage to the coil to close the contacts, see what the voltage is at the start wire

[Spanner 1]

Sounds like the 'noid is bad/sticky....if yer lucky, it comes apart with 2x phillips screws and the battery posts undone..clean/lite lube to restore start function.....

[new2novas]

if they come apart thats a win situation....well unless its all corroded and worn

[Deke512]

I just ran down to the garage and pulled it apart. No luck. Just clicking. And I've whacked it with a hammer several times prior!

Anyone know where I might get a solenoid?

Thanks for the help. I figured it was a bad noid.

[martino1972]

did you try and put a wire from your positive post from the  battery directly to the solenoid on the post where the little wire goes to..

[Deke512]

I didn't try that. I guess I thought that when I connect the two bolts on the top of the solenoid with a screwdriver, and it starts, that would rule out that the section of cable from the battery to the solenoid is faulty. But I'll give it a try.

[bryanj]

All solenoids work the same just mightbe different shapes and wire colours

[Deke512]

Nope. No difference.

[Queeg]

I would check the continuity of the starter switch! Make sure its getting power. I had the same problem just to find out my switch had just turned to dust. Now I just put one under my seat.

 Also taking a wire from the positive terminal of the battery and touching the. One of the leads from the starter button would also tell you if the sylinoid is bad before you go buying a new one for no reason.

 Just my .02

[new2novas]

if you tried putting power to the small wire with no results, replace the solenoid.....but just for the hell of it check that when you push the button that you get 12v at the small wire at the solenoid

[r6100mph]

I had the same situation with my CB400F.  I would hit the starter button, lights would dim, but nothing on the solenoid, no click.  So i pulled the cap off the solenoid, careful not to pull the wires out, just the cap, cleaned the contact points, reinstalled.  Nothing same thing.  but this time I tracked down all the wiring, and lead me to the actual starter button.  pulled the handle bar assembly apart (not completely just enough to get cleaner in there), sprayed some electic cleaner in there, (almost like carb cleaner but for electronics)  and then everything worked!  So the button wasn't making a good enough contact to the ground inside the handle bar switch. 

I would suggest checking the starter button.