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Posted by drifter-paul
- January 30, 2013, 00:54:00 AMRead the recent "won't start" topic, but I don't think it applies here.
After a year (camshaft, camchains/sprockets, MS clutch, fork oil, etc and a new paint job and pinstripping), my '99 1500 (140K) is back on the road (was).
Took it for a few rides, various short distances and different days, and then one 200 mile one. Had a beer and half hour later decided to go out again. Got 100 yards and she died. Brake lights/horn/indicators work. Tried starting again - console lights work as per normal, on then off - wait till console lights finished, then hit starter. Got a bee - zitttt noise from starter solenoid , so replaced that (with a second hand unit). She ran for a week than beee -zittttd again - you can feel the vibration of the solenoid throwing and re-setting when you place your finger on the unit.
Checked grounds for wires - clean , unpainted, connected and tight, no visible shorts.
Took starter motor out of m/c and auto electrician tested it - fine. He suggested bypass testing of existing wiring.
I was hoping it was a poor ground, or worn components in the starter, aggravated by sitting for a year.
Now I'm at a loss.
P.S. You don't need to drain the radiator to get the starter motor out. Remove the starter motor wire, and the single-wire switch on bottom of radiator. Undo two bolts on left holding starter in place, insert blade screwdriver on right side of starter and wiggle/pry to the left - settle starter motor on engine block/radiator. Undo bolt holding top of radiator to frame, move 1'' forward and up until s/motor drops into hand of assistant..