88 GPX250 Starting Problem

[GPXRAH]

When trying to start get a buzzing sound from the ignition box (right hand side behind rear panel). Stumped as to where to be looking for problem or whether we need a new ignition box? No power getting to starter motor. Any help will be greatfully appreciated.

[Gosling1]

check the battery voltage first - battery might be flat, no ability to turn the starter motor ?

[GPXRAH]

Thanks Gos. I can bypass the fuse box and solenoid and the battery turns the starter motor over and fuses are all ok. So next question is can you test to see if there are issues with either of these? Sometimes when I press the start button the solenoid will tic or buzz.

[Loz]

Nice timing dude, this just started happening tonight on my 97 ZX9. Starter button produces either nothing at all, or a fast ticking sound. Bike roll starts easily (once you get the fat old bitch up to speed) but has been slow to start off the starter motor for a couple months now. I haven't had the multimeter out yet, but it sounds like a similar problem to yours.

I've closed the window now, but there was something on another site about this being an issue with the CDI... Struth I hope not, Kwaka parts are fucking expensive and I can't see a new CDI being real cheap. Will keep looking and keep an eye on this thread.

Edit: here's the other page: http://www.visordown.com/forum/forummes ... 162558&V=2

Might be of use.

[Loz]

More reading:

http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/forum ... arter.html

[Loz]

It seems mine is a battery problem - it starts fine on another battery. Possibly overcharging a teensy bit but the battery's likely that old that it's just shat itself.

[Gosling1]

Thanks Gos. I can bypass the fuse box and solenoid and the battery turns the starter motor over and fuses are all ok. So next question is can you test to see if there are issues with either of these? Sometimes when I press the start button the solenoid will tic or buzz.

that almost sounds like the age-old problem of the solenoid contacts being dirty - they get a good carbon build-up over time, and need to be pulled apart every few (maybe 5) years, and given a good clean with wizards piss and a brass toothbrush. This will remove all the carbon, and should get the solenoid working properly again...

The contacts in the starter button may also need a rinse with WD40 ?

Also - check the earth lead from the battery, at the point where it attaches to the engine block. Sometimes this will also need to be removed, cleaned and re-fitted.

If all the above doesn't fix it, try a new battery as Loz did. Batteries are *generally* always the weakest link in bike electrics......

[Loz]

Mine seems to be overcharging too - 15-15.4 volts where the manual says 14.8 max.

Regulator might need a kick in the bum but I'll run it as is for my PI trackday tomorrow.

[Gosling1]

just keep an eye on the battery fluid level if its overcharging - this can *boil* a battery, with a subsequent loss of battery fluid, and instant carked battery...