QuestionI have an 86 Honda Magna V65, that will not start it only makes a clicking sound. I replaced the starter and the starter solenoid. I also replaced the battery. When you try to start the bike the headlight goes out too. I found that the ground wire under the tank is arcing when I removed it, any suggestions on finding this problem.
AnswerI found this bit of info on a website:
http://www.geocities.com/v4power1/solenoid.html
You really need to troubleshoot from the starter motor back through the system.
Put a jumper cable on the starter motor terminal or at the other end where the cable attaches to the solenoid to verify that the starter system is operable. Most old time mechanics just put an old screwdriver across the two bit terminals (makes lots of sparks!) to check the main circuit. If the starter turns over, then the solenoid is bad or not being activated by the starter button.
All wiring connections at connectors and terminal ends have to be clean and tight. I'm not sure what ground wire you mention is arcing, but clean and tighten the connector.
The starter button on the handlebars is designed to either run the headlight when the button is out or disable the headlight and engage the solenoid when the button is pushed in. The starter buttons were very trouble prone back in the 1970s when the design was first used. Some starter buttons just ground the solenoid at the handlebars and others just complete the circuit back to the solenoid.
Here's a link to some wiring diagrams:
http://denbrook.crosswinds.net/Motorcycles/Schematics/
Use the latest version, but most of Honda's wiring colors are very similar for that generation of machines. There's a silicon rectifier in the circuit that could be a problem. Also, the clutch safety switch has to be good, in order for the bike to start. Some models have used a safety switch on the sidestand, to prevent starting, as well.
Bill Silver
