Motorcycle Repair: Goldwing Starter solonoid problems, goldwing gl, starer

Question
Hi Chris

Could you tell me if the starter solonoid on my '83 Goldwing GL 1100 Interstate could be faulty even if it clicks.

My problem is that the motor will not turn over when the starer is engaged.  It just makes a very small movement and stops.  I have had the starter checked and it is good. THe heavy wires from the battery and to the starter and good.  The battery was charged and I even jumped it with a car battery to see if more energy was needed.  Same result...

I took the spark plugs out and engaged the starter  and the engine turned over just fine.

I'm thinking the solonoid is faulty.


What do you think?


Woody

Answer
Hi Woody.
 When the starter motor was checked, was it disassembled and the contacts inspected or did they just put it to a fully charged battery and turn it?  If the latter was done, then the contacts could still be dirty or the brushes may need replacement.

 Have you tried jumping the solenoid itself?  If the motor turns that way, then the sonenoid is bad.

 Have you checked all of the connections?  a loose/dirty connection can cause problems as bad as a broken wire can.

 Have you checked the battery with a hygrometer?  If any of the cells are bad, then the battery is not going to turn the starter, no matter if it shows a full charge on a meter.

Start there and let me know what you find.
Good luck.
FALCON