(03-03-2013, 12:53 PM)dano955 Wrote: [ -> ]Little history on 1985 GL1200 Interstate---after the rebuild of starter it would not engaged (just spin) i was advised to add seafoam and drive 100 miles to remove sludge from stater clutch--drove it about 50 miles and bike just shut off--trailered it home and started just fine the next morning but shut off again within 10 mins.--then i was advised that could be the pulse generators--i swapped P/G with parts bike i bought (same model and year as mine down to the same color) i understand that they should ohms out at 1 to 2 (both sets ohmn to 3 to 4) --it started and ran great last night but would not start today-----things i tested (12 volts to both coils) (fuel pump fine) (cut-off switch cleaned) anymore suggestions
Read more: http://goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic....z2MVYlyN4V
When the starter was rebuilt, was it lubed? Was it bench tested before being installed? Is it seated properly in the engine case?
Does the starter engage each time the starter button is pushed, or just sometimes? Other times does it sound like it is spinning freely, ending in a 'clunk'?
Two other items to check are too thick an oil for the season and a weak battery.
I had a problem with both with my bike when I first brought her home.
Given the miles of my bike I used 20W oil and it was duing the winter months hers in So. Cal.
(yea, I know, we don't compare to the rest of the country) but changing to a lighter oil helped. It didn't cure it, but it helped.
My cause was a weak battery. Testing for 12V isn't enough. Too weak a battery will not spin the starter fast enough to egage the clutch (spin freely and end with a 'clunk'). Tooe weak of a battery may not allow the ignition system to function either.
Testing the specific gravity oe each cell of your battery will tell you all you need to know abouot the 'strength' of your battery. Your battery should meter out at 12.65V. Also, each cell should test out at, at least 50%. Also, youor battery will not take a charge if the water level is so low that the lead fins are viewable through the fill holes.
If the water is low, top off to the level marked n the side of the battery, with distilled water.
Using the hydrometer, check the specific gravity of each cell (write it down if you have a memory like mine), put the battery on no more than 1.75mA trickle or maintainer and let it take a charge ro 1 hour or so.
Take another hydrometer reading and note any differences with the first reading.
If the battery is taking a charge...... good. If not, not so good.
Batteries which test with a low or very low hydrometer reading may take some time before they start to show signs of taking a charge. It may take a day before a change can be measured.
Use caution: acid burns, baking soda and water will neutralize the acid spills. I don't leave my batteries charging overnight, unattended. Use good judgement here please.
Your starting problem may lie somewhere else, but a weak battery may be sending you in the wrong direction.
Good Luck
-Ride On