quick opinion on starting. fixed with a hammer

[bighairymuppet]

my bike last three days has needed a bump start , two of these days got a click from the solenoid. other day nothing but did have dash lghts.

once bump started runs fine. 3 - 4 miles or so into work at 11 hours later after work starts off button. did notice before this headlght dimming when indictaors on (in sync with inidcator) on the back of a car.


Other symptoms is a squealing noise like a very low whine when parked up at night like a really quiet alarm. at first thought it was just air escaping tank but it goes on after 20 mins. only occurred a couple of times ( in the last 3 days) but seems to go away if you turn engine on then off again.

did have aftermarket alarm on it when i got it but its never been armed and was supposedly disconnected just still the light etc on the fairing.

any ideas?

1. dodgy battery?
2. alarm thing shorting out causing drain?
3. something else causing drain?
4. generator/alternator? ( doesnt seem likely as starts off button after little run.


opinions welcome thanks , another job to add to the list.

anyone at a loose end in glasgow on saturday ;D

[taint]

Sounds a lot like an old battery combined with the drain from the alarm.

I had problems with my battery retaining it's charge until I completely stripped out the 13 year old alarm system. Now, no problems at all.

While the battery was newer, the drain possibly wasn't noticeable; but as it gets older, the charge capacity drops to the point that the alarm drain is enough to cause starting problems.

There may be other factors, but that was certainly my problem.

I hope this helps

T.

[darren]

May 9, 2008 10:30:31 GMT @taint said:

Sounds a lot like an old battery combined with the drain from the alarm.

I had problems with my battery retaining it's charge until I completely stripped out the 13 year old alarm system. Now, no problems at all.

While the battery was newer, the drain possibly wasn't noticeable; but as it gets older, the charge capacity drops to the point that the alarm drain is enough to cause starting problems.

There may be other factors, but that was certainly my problem.

I hope this helps

T.

what he said

[cam7777]

Disconnect the +ve connection of the battery.
Carefully connect the +ve lead to the battery (preferably at night) and check for a slight spark.

If there is a spark this means something is drawing current.

Remove all fuses and try again, if there is now no spark, replace one fuse and try again until you identify the circuit which is drawing current.

Trace all wires on that circuit, looking for additional, non standard wiring.

Its a long process but will pay off in the end.

[bighairymuppet]

Just noticed rear lamp not working brake and rear indicators work though. Related? This was with engine off when it wouldn't start.

[taint]

From memory, I think that the back light has two filaments similar to the head light. Could one of them have gone pop?

T.

[bighairymuppet]

scrap that . double filament in bulb and onehad gone.

two i hit the starter with a hammer and it was fine so its probably the brushes dammit.

still wonder what the alarm noise is though it is very faint

[bighairymuppet]

fyi cleaned out starter and now starts like beaut even better than when i first got it yay! turns out one of the brushes was sticking. itll need new brushes eventually but for now no more duck legs trying to bump start the thing.