Topic: starter knowledge anyone?

[1974blaze]

its a '80 cb400

starter spins freely out of the bike.  sounds like its trying but not succeeding in the bike.  motor not seized. 

any thoughts?

also, starter switch is broken.  if i cross the black/white and yellow red in the switch is that the same as pushing the button?  new switch on order.

thanks all.

[Danno]

sounds like you need a new solonoid or you need to take it out and take it apart and clean it

[1974blaze]

will try that today.  thanks.

[scottly]

If you take the starter apart, check the brushes for wear. If they are worn out, the starter will crank slow under load, just like with a bad battery.

[1974blaze]

update.

if power is sent straight to starter while installed it just hums.  same if i cross the solenoid poles with a screwdriver. 

if power is sent to starter out of the bike it spins freely. 

what's the hum? stuck gear in the engine?

trying to fix and sell for a friend.  thoughts appreciated. 

thanks.