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Topic summary

Posted by SpookWarrior
 - August 09, 2012, 09:01:01 AM

I just want to say... should have come here first.  I just reconnected my clutch sensor connector on the handlebar... and it fires right up.  Now I am going to put my bike back together.

You guys are awesome. 

Posted by badboy194
 - May 10, 2011, 15:49:21 PM

That is what makes this site so fun, everyone that pitches in is happy to do it.

Posted by chief
 - May 10, 2011, 11:15:10 AM

I think VN1500 had it pegged way back at the start... and Troll is always good for a thorough analysis! 

Posted by badboy194
 - May 09, 2011, 20:40:29 PM

Congrats lump.  The Dynamic Drifter Duo (Chief and Troll) avert crisis again.  Another Drifter is saved from the clutches of the Dreaded Dealer.   All is well in Drifter City.

Posted by lumper
 - May 09, 2011, 19:56:36 PM

Thanks again everyone.
Lump

Posted by VN1500
 - May 09, 2011, 14:39:01 PM

Yippee!...Glad to hear Lump!

Ride safe & enjoy!

Ron

Posted by chief
 - May 09, 2011, 14:20:38 PM

Yep and you always need to start with the easy stuff first... that clutch switch connector has been the cause of more than one -non-start situation .

Really glad that was the problem.

Posted by Troll
 - May 09, 2011, 14:17:46 PM

The best fixes are the ones that help you learn without costing too much ;D

Posted by lumper
 - May 09, 2011, 14:13:59 PM

Thank you guys so much for all the tips and help.
I got it running!!
I cant stop smiling either.
You guys, even on mothers day were there for me and spent a lot of time pondering my problem, I cant tell you enough how much that means to me and how thankful I am you are all here.

So I walked back through all the steps that led to the bike not starting.
In my excitement I realized I forgot what started all this.
I installed an under the bar mirror that clamps on the bars.

Well dont you know that the mount is exactly where that plug under the clutch is.
I looked more carefully after removing the mirror and sure enough, I had loosened the plug while installing the mirror and never knew it, or for that matter I never knew the switch was there an that it would contribute to not starting.

I was really freaking out since I couldn't understand how the bike went from fine to nothing.
I knew I must have done something but what?
Anyway after I put the mirror on the other day I thought, now would be a good time to polish the bike before a ride and then I will get some pics with the new mirrors, well when it wouldn't start I never once thought about the mirror until you guys pointed out that I should check that plug carefully.
I learned a lot about diagnostics on this bike, things to look or, where so many things are I never knew existed, etc..
It was a truly winning experience for me.
And the satisfaction that it wasn't a relay, a starter or my battery is even better.
This did prompt me to test my battery though and see it showed less than adequate cca's so I am going to replace it this week anyway for good measure.
I got so inspired I fabricated a couple of brackets  and installed my air horns and  I also cut off some threads I needed to install some female threaded spikes into my stock mirror mounts and painted it all too, so I am now just literally waiting for paint to dry and then I am heading out to take a ride and see how everything feels, sounds, looks and drives.

Thanks again so very much, I am very grateful.

Lump

Posted by Troll
 - May 09, 2011, 13:47:36 PM

forgot to attach the schematic...duhhh

Posted by Troll
 - May 09, 2011, 13:43:20 PM

As you can see the system does not include any kind of automotive solenoid, or even a starter clutch ("bendix"), as such. The starter is constantly engaged but does not spin until energized. There is a 1 way clutch that disengages after the engine starts.

Posted by lumper
 - May 09, 2011, 12:17:08 PM

Ok, cool I am going to check again now.
I got a battery charger this morning but my luck it is old and doesn't work, lol.
I am going to check the switches and see if thats it, if not I am going to buy a replacement battery in a day or two, if thats not it at least I know I have a good properly charged battery to then run the tests concerning the relays and stuff.
Thanks, fingers crosses.
Lump

Posted by chief
 - May 09, 2011, 10:23:03 AM

Yes, the battery can have enough juice to handle lighting but not spin the starter... its happened on both my GW and Drifter... same year! Replaced both batteries as a result. One would charge but fail under load. the other would charge but lose the ability to turn the starter after sitting about 10 minutes. Both batteries were 6 years old. Go figure.

Just mess around up there around the clutch lever/switch box. There are connectors there.. I had this happen after doing some work on the bike. If the connector isn't on nice and tight it will prevent the bike from starting. All those things should be checked before replacing anything.

Posted by lumper
 - May 09, 2011, 10:08:16 AM

Troll,
Thanks I am going to check it now.
IF you want to send me the schematics, my email is lumper@snet.net

Thanks again.

Lump

Posted by Troll
 - May 09, 2011, 08:44:07 AM

The plug is on the underside of the clutch perch, plugging in under the hose.  Be sure it's pushed all the way in. I can email you a schematic of the starter circuit.

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