(SOLVED)engine fires right up, but dies when starter button released

[Gerhardberger]

congrats

[CDNRatMan]

  glad it worked out and now we all know and learned

[Drift1]

Jamey glad you found your problem.That's definately a great feeling!

[jamey wright]

that solved the problem [ new battery ], funny because it wouldn't even run when I jump started it, and the big charger on vehicle start [200 amps] would fire the starter  but not keep it running.

[Drift1]

ahhh,that sounds to me as if you've found your problem,hopefully.Wish you the best and hope this is a simple fix to your problem.

[jamey wright]

I think I may have found the problem. Took the battery to have it checked, and found that even though it has 12 volts, it has zero amps! how is this possible? Will get new battery, and go from there.

[Drift1]

Jamey,did a little asking around about your issue with your drifter and heres what i recieved.

1)If.....the headlights cut offf while the starter is running,this might be an electrical problem,as in,the battery is weak and when the headlights cut back in the voltage goes way down.A battery recharge might be in order...or replaced..as welll as some other baterry/charging test.

2)It's usually an electical problem in the harnesson older bikes,turn the handle bars it will run-turn back at dies.The start button provides power to the coils and fuel pump until the alternator is putting out juice.You'll need a shop manual/schematics and vom to trace power through the system and check componets.

If you can provide me with the year and a list of mods and can pass this on and hopefully help you with your problem.

[jamey wright]

Thanks guys, I'll give all that a try.

[Troll]

There ya go...I wish I had an 800 manual. I almost had an 800 classic for free, but it turned out to be stolen... 

[CDNRatMan]

  I have looked and read a bunch of stuff and one thing I am seeing is to check the battery out an make sure it is working properly. I'll keep looking.....

ok if the battery checks out to be good then, check the starter relay, and if that checks out,

it would seem to be a short in the electrical system, and you should start at the right side handle bar.

hope this helps....

[jamey wright]

five or six times till I gave up. It has spark and fuel when the starter is pressed, but when releasing the starter button, it's like it has no spark at that point.

[Troll]

    Try putting the fuel tap in the pri position. How many times did it do this?

[jamey wright]

been starting it up and letting it run for a few minutes every week since the accident just to keep the carb clean. Has fuel stableizer in a full tank, and is on a battery tender.

[CDNRatMan]

 has it been sitting long?

[jamey wright]

Anybody have any idea what could cause this?  Help!

[jamey wright]

All of a sudden, the last time I went to start my engine, it would fire right up but died as soon as I released the starter button. Any Ideas?