Need advice

[CrazyA]

Hi I own a custom build trike, Yamaha XS1100 1984 I'm having problems with the starter, I've taken apart, cleaned casing, main coil, brushes are fine, put back on trike hit start button, engine tried a few times to turn over but couldn't. Pressed start again and just got selinoid clicking and nothing from starter, case was very warm after only 3 times trying to start. I can't get PARTS anywhere, believe me I've spent 3 months searching for parts, the whole time I've owned trike. It has run for me, so I know motor is good. Does anyone know of another starter motor model that will be able to replace my present one with? Any advice is welcomed with open arms and much gratitude. CrazyA

[Bax]

These XS starter motors are rebuildable. If your solenoid is clicking, I'd suspect the battery is running low voltage, not the starter as being the issue.

---Bax

[Bax]

Just went through this similar starter issue with Eab last fall. Turned out to be the "new" battery.....

https://xs11.club/forum/idle-talk-fo...465-78xs-rehab

See post#s 73-103

---Bax

[cajun31]

Hi I own a custom build trike, Yamaha XS1100 1984 I'm having problems with the starter, I've taken apart, cleaned casing, main coil, brushes are fine, put back on trike hit start button, engine tried a few times to turn over but couldn't. Pressed start again and just got selinoid clicking and nothing from starter, case was very warm after only 3 times trying to start. I can't get PARTS anywhere, believe me I've spent 3 months searching for parts, the whole time I've owned trike. It has run for me, so I know motor is good. Does anyone know of another starter motor model that will be able to replace my present one with? Any advice is welcomed with open arms and much gratitude. CrazyA

First things first. The year you are stating is not valid for the USA. Check the stamp on the motor and tell us the serial number. For instance the 80LG starts with 4h3. Checking the vin might help determine what you have so a replacement starter can be found. I agree with both statements by Bax. They sell rebuild kits .... doesn't include the windings ... but have rarely heard of that going bad. For what you are describing I would suspect the battery. How old is it and how have you maintained it? Even with a full time trickle charger on them ... unless the charger has a desulphation cycle included the plates in the battery can still build up sulphation. The battery will show full voltage when coming off the charger but sadly loses cranking ability quite quickly. Clicking solenoids are the giveaway to a weak battery. Find that VIN serial number and maybe we can suggest a better solution.

[cajun31]

Had another thought for you. To prove or disprove the battery being the culprit take a set of jumper cables and jump the trike from your every day vehicle. If it starts then possibly bad battery or battery not up to full charge. If it displays the same symptoms then maybe bad starter or solenoid. At least it won't cost you anything to find out.

[Schming]

Welcome CrazyA !!!
What cajun31 and Bax stated are spot on. Also check all your earths and make sure all electrical connections are free of corrosion.
For parts, you can't beat the service of Our resident parts guru Andreas Weiss

[XS-play]

100% agree with Schming
Put a solid charge on the battery, if it is old desulfinating just extends the inevitable.
Best of luck.

[shutchis]

I ride an '82 XJ1100. Years ago I had a starter problems similar as you described. I installed another ground cable from the battery ground to the starter case. It fixed my problem. It was a cheap and simple fix.

[CrazyA]

Well I bought a new battery, hit the start button and all I got was a single click from the brand new selinoid. Starter didn't even try to turn over. Any ideas????

[bikerphil]

Just replace the starter and be done with it. Test your old one first with it sitting on the ground with some jumper cables.

[CrazyA]

Thanks I'll give that a shot this mornin.

[DiverRay]

If you have not tried it, at least use a jumper cable to connect the battery ground to the starter mount bolt. If that works, you know it's a ground cable problem. If it does not work, new starter or the starter positive cable. To verify, with the ground still connected jump from the battery positive to the starter with the other side of the jumper cable. If it does not work, new starter.

[DiverRay]

I just looked, and I do have a started if you need one. It's been apart and cleaned, then tested. I can send it out and if it works, just send back the old one and what you can afford.

[CrazyA]

To all who have offered advice I would like to say thank you all very much for your advice and help with this now repaired problem with my trike. I found an Altinator and Starter motor Specialist in the next town over from me here in the UK, hence why I have a model not available in the USA. Dude took a look for me, and after new brushes and internal new welds I'm happy to report my trike is now back on the road. Started 3 times first hit of start button. I'm one very happy old biker again. Cheers Bro's

[cajun31]

Internal new welds.... you definitely had a problem. Glad to hear you got it figured out.