Motorcycle Repair: Flooded engine?, 2000 suzuki marauder, motor brushes

Question
I have a 2000 Suzuki Marauder 250cc.  I just bought it used and certified last week. Everything was fine on it, then one day after riding on the high I stopped at a drive-thru and the line was so long, so I put it in netural and turned off the engine.  about 10 minutes later of waiting in line I went to start it, and it just made a clicking noise.  The headlight, signals, horn all work.  I MAY have turned the throttle a bit while waiting in the line (so maybe that flooded the engine...but I don't know much).  It doesn't have a kick start so I don't know how to clear the flooded engine. (if it is flooded).  If I try to many times with the started button then it stops clicking completely and does nothing.  I let the bike cool, tried a few more times.  I turned it off completely and held the throttle open slightly to clear it that way maybe.

Thanks, Dan

Answer
Hi Dan,

The usual cause of the clicking sound is a weak or defective battery, or worn starter motor brushes.

Test battery voltage and specific gravity. Charge or replace the battery accordingly.

Test charging voltage of the alternator.

Check length of starter motor brushes. Replace if they are worn beyond service limits.

You should check the spark plugs for wet fouling. They may have become wet from fuel during the starting attempts. This would be known as flooding your MC's engine. Clean or replace the plugs accordingly.

Get a copy of the service/repair manual and learn about testing, troubleshooting, and repairing your Marauder. Get manuals and view microfiche parts at "www.bikebandit.com"

Also check the local library for service manuals.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively