Starter HELP!

[BDMastiff2001]

I have read a few of the threads I could find on my starter issue, but at this point I'm stymied. I have an 01 Mastiff, that unfortunately due to work and other issues has been neglected since October. Battery is fully charged, but I get the slow boggy turnover and then clicking upon trying to start. I tried chacha's solenoid cleaning tips, and disassembled cleaned up the contacts and reassembled. Hit the starter button and click. Next I took the solenoid cover off, and used a screwdriver to engage the plunger, got the boggy turnover and click. Then I removed the hot wire (green attached to the top of the solenoid), got my trusty multimeter and checked the voltage while hitting the start button read 12+ volts. SO, I reattached and then hooked it up to a car battery and tried jumping using the screwdriver again. It tried to turnover but no joy. At this point, I don't know what else to do but start replacing parts. Any input/assistance is greatly greatly appreciated. I have no problem going to a mechanic but I have had bad experiences in the past with ripoff artists, I'd rather know what I need and let a professional do it then just take it somewhere and say fix it. Thanks

 

[woodbutcher]

don't think '01 had compression reliefs. if you get any gas much at all in the cylinders, the compression will build up to a point to where it would take a perfect battery to crank the bike. might want to investigate this.

by the way, you might want to do an introduction. it helps out around here to be friendly.

 

[stlmikie]

Where are you located?

 

[BDMastiff2001]

I'm in Houston TX.

 

[bruce]

take out spark plugs and crank over, should crank over pretty fast - plus this will clear out the gas that is in there, (If it cranks slow most likely need battery) then check spark while you have spark plugs out - do both with gas off - be careful remember the gas fumes can ignite. turn gas on take off covers to carb. and turn throttle while looking inside are you getting fuel. if these things are OK and you put back together and it still will not start, I would say need battery especially if it has not been on a battery tender. I think most of our batteries last about 4 years and start giving problems even through they seem to check OK on the surface.

 

[BDMastiff2001]

I pulled spark plugs and they were kind of black so I went ahead and replaced. While they were out I tried starting as you suggested Bruce and it turned fast. I hooked the plugs in and checked for spark and they were sparking away. I checked Carb and it was getting fuel. I put everything back together and the slow turn and click... I'm getting a new battery this one is a couple years old. Any other advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks again everyone for the help.

 

[New Boots]

Don't give it very much gas to start it. Too much Gas will increase the compression up to 50% causing the slow rotation, that’s assuming you don’t have compression releases. :2thumbs:

 

[bruce]

the black on sparks can mean you are running rich, after you get it started and ride some, re-check spark plug. black could just be from not starting to burn off.

 

[BDMastiff2001]

I don't think I gave it any gas to start and definitely need compression releases based on everything I've been reading. Thanks for all the insight I'm definitely glad I found this forum.

 

[stlmikie]

Yeah. Go and get you some releases and your life will be much easier. To start at least.

 

[BDMastiff2001]

Finally got the compression releases installed and it starts better than ever. Thanks for everyone's input I really appreciate it.