Starter issue

[nzemke]

So I have been racking my brain over this for a while trying to start the 79 XS1100, Every time I hit the starter it sounds like it's turning over but it never catches. I finally figured out that there is an emergency kick starter under the battery, slapped it on and first kick it started right up. I let it run for a 5-10 minutes thinking if it charged the battery properly the starter might work. The neutral and headlight indicators are a lot brighter now but still no dice, but it fires up every time I use the kick starter.

[jjz28]

Is the engine turning or just the starter? It may not turn fast enough to start it, I had a four wheeler that was like that but would pull start every time. If it is just the starter turning maybe the bendix isn't kicking out (if they have one, I've never messed with a motorcycle starter).

[DGXSER]

Yes, is the starter turning the engine? Is it turning it slowly?

Have your battery load tested.

[natemoen]

Check your battery voltage when you are using the starter. Less than about 10.5 volts and the bike won't fire the ignition coils.

[Yard Dogg]

There's no bendix, so now you know. Would've been my thoughts too.

[WMarshy]

FYI, the charging system does not charge the battery at idle...

[CaptonZap]

So I have been racking my brain over this for a while trying to start the 79 XS1100, Every time I hit the starter it sounds like it's turning over but it never catches. I finally figured out that there is an emergency kick starter under the battery, slapped it on and first kick it started right up. I let it run for a 5-10 minutes thinking if it charged the battery properly the starter might work. The neutral and headlight indicators are a lot brighter now but still no dice, but it fires up every time I use the kick starter.

Here is a little test. There is a wire that comes out of the TCI that is white with a red trace on it. Stick a safety pin through the center of the wire, so that the pin makes contact with the copper strands inside. Hook your volt meter to the safety pin and ground. Push the start button and see if you have 11 to 12 volts while the start button is pushed in.
If you don't, the diode inside the TCI is probably the culprit.
If you do, a low battery is the odds on favorite. Check the acid level in the cells, add distilled water if they are low. Get a charger, and charge the battery over night. No more than 1 amp, or use a smart charger. Take the charger off, let the battery set for an hour, and measure the voltage at the battery. You should have at least 13 volts. If it is less than that, your battery is suspect. Let us know the outcome of your investigations. CZ

[natemoen]

Here is a little test. There is a wire that comes out of the TCI that is white with a red trace on it. Stick a safety pin through the center of the wire, so that the pin makes contact with the copper strands inside. Hook your volt meter to the safety pin and ground. Push the start button and see if you have 11 to 12 volts while the start button is pushed in.
If you don't, the diode inside the TCI is probably the culprit.
If you do, a low battery is the odds on favorite. Check the acid level in the cells, add distilled water if they are low. Get a charger, and charge the battery over night. No more than 1 amp, or use a smart charger. Take the charger off, let the battery set for an hour, and measure the voltage at the battery. You should have at least 13 volts. If it is less than that, your battery is suspect. Let us know the outcome of your investigations. CZ

Why not just put the meter in the connector at the tci rather than poke a hole in the insulation?

[nzemke]

Thanks everyone for the assistance. I will give the battery a overnight charge after I check the levels. Last I checked the battery it was at 12.26 volts.

[natemoen]

Thanks everyone for the assistance. I will give the battery a overnight charge after I check the levels. Last I checked the battery it was at 12.26 volts.

But you also need to check the voltage when actually running the starter.

[CaptonZap]

Why not just put the meter in the connector at the tci rather than poke a hole in the insulation?

You need to measure the voltage as the TCI is doing it's thing, and if the plug is out for you to get to R/W wire in the connecter, the rest of the wires in the plug are not connected to the TCI.

Actually, they make plier like tools with a spike in them for the pros to use while trouble shooting circuits. I'm cheap, and a safety pins works. The plastic is almost self healing when it gets warm. No harm, no foul.

CZ

[natemoen]

You need to measure the voltage as the TCI is doing it's thing, and if the plug is out for you to get to R/W wire in the connecter, the rest of the wires in the plug are not connected to the TCI.

Actually, they make plier like tools with a spike in them for the pros to use while trouble shooting circuits. I'm cheap, and a safety pins works. The plastic is almost self healing when it gets warm. No harm, no foul.

CZ

I am saying stick the meter lead in the back side of the plug while still attatched where the terminal is stretched to the plug.

[CaptonZap]

Ah ha, I see where you are coming from. That is easy for you guys with small diameter probes to accomplish.
Any way you want to do it, just "git 'er done".
CZ

[LoHo]

Here we go...another "probe size" thread!