Motorcycle Repair: CA77 starter problem, starter solenoid, starter clutch

Question
Sir, I have a 1965 CA77 305 Dream.  Recently the starter stopped working.  I took the starter to a rebuilding shop in my area and was told the starter works fine.  I then bought a used starter magnetic switch (solenoid) and still the starter doesn't work. Both solenoids did make a clicking sound when I push the starter button. The battery is fully charged and I can't find any loose connections.  Is there a way to check the solenoid before I search for a brand new one or I'm I looking in the wrong spot.

Steve

Answer
Steve, if you are careful, you can partially disassemble the solenoid bodies and clean the cross-post contacts. There is a plunger in there that can get rusted up, too.

If you jump across the two posts with a screwdriver/pliers that mimics what the starter solenoid does internally. If the starter motor works properly, then the problem is the solenoid contacts.

Make sure that your starter clutch hub roller springs are in good condition. When they weaken/break, the rollers can't keep contact with the starter clutch hub and the whole thing just slips and slides, usually making a horrible squawking noise.

Bill Silver