QuestionQUESTION: Howdy
i have a 81 xv750 that has been giving me problems for a while. It wouldnt start very well and would need jumpstarting, so i bought a new battery. that did nothing. for a while i could only start it with a jump, then it just wouldnt start even with a jump. Then, after further research and whatnot, i decided it must be the starter. so i bought one. I installed it, and it did nothing different than the other. then i found out the previous owner had the connection from the batterys + terminal to the starter solenoid was backwards, so i fixed that. Now it will jumpstart, and the starter will at least make the spinning and click noises.
Im thinking the problem is most likely the solenoid. if so, can i put a universal 12v solenoid on it instead of buying the 75$ yamaha one? and if so, 3 or 4 terminals? because on the one thats on the bike right now there is the two large connections, then one wire that is saudered onto another connection.
but whats really troubling me is i jumpstarted it the other day and rode it around just to clean out the engine. i had been riding for 10-15 minutes and it started bouncing. it felt like a had a flat and the wheel was rolling on bounces. but i slowed down and everything looked ok so i kept going cautiously. 5 min later i was slowing down at a red light, and by the time i was stopped, my engine had turned off. and wouldnt start. when i rejumped it, it only stayed on for like 15 sec.
so im guessing the bouncing was a start of electrical failure. then i got the whole failure at the light. i don't know if that helps you or not. Any suggestions you have would be very helpful, i just don't want to take it to a shop and spend more fixing it than what i payed for it.
Thanks!
Jacob
ANSWER: Yes you can use a solenoid from an older Ford car or truck.This solenoid MUST be grounded to the frame or negative side of battery.3 terminal will work the best.The one small wire is to the switch on the bars ( starter button )From what you say I think the charging system is not working. Charge the battery (not in the bike) and reinstall it,start the bike and use a volt meter and check from a GOOD ground to the positive side of battery something around 14 volts when bike is running will be ok.Also rev the bike up a little and see if the voltage increases with rpm.
If you don't get these reading get back to me and I will tell you how to check charging system
When I say ground the solenoid I mean the metal bracket with the bolt holes in it.
Ride safe Jerry
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: so i installed the solenoid. must have crossed wires, because when i turn the key to "on", the starter starts turning, without pressing the starter-or clutch for that matter. but im prety sure i can fix that with the right arrangement of wires.
but it died again. i charged the battery, not connected to the bike and it died. so how do i access/fix the charging system?
AnswerIn order to repair the charging system you will need to check with your local motorcycle shop.Have them give you an estimate on the price of stator and regulator.This job defiantly will require expert and special tool. Sorry no way around it.
Ride Safe Jerry
