82 Maxim Won't Start, Clicking Solenoid

[popmac]

A couple weeks ago my bike started up fine in the morning, then after work wouldn't start so I bump started it, got home and put the battery on the charger. Next day, same thing - bike started in the morning, nothing at the end of the day. Both times I was just getting a click at the solenoid and nothing else. At that point I figured it was most likely my battery, so I took it back to the store, they tested it and said it was shot, and I picked up a new one. Since putting the new one in I haven't been able to get my bike to start again, just a solenoid click every time I push the starter. I put a new solenoid because they are cheap and mine was looking pretty old and decrepit anyway, but the end result was the same.

At this point I would assume it's the starter motor, which go for about $100 on eBay, but to get it out to be tested it looks like I need a couple special tools that I don't have. Is there anything else I should be checking here, or should I order in the tools I need to check out the starter engine?

 

[clegg]

Check all of the connections to the battery, solenoid and starter including the grounds. Clean any corrosion that you may find. You also may have a charging problem that is preventing your bike from keeping the battery charged.

With the cycle running check for 14 volts at the battery terminals. Rev it to 3000 rpm.

 

[popmac]

Thanks for the response and sorry about the delayed response. Took your advice and was still coming up blank so I ended up dropping the bike off with a buddy who confirmed it was the starter motor. Ordered one off ebay and it should be arriving tomorrow!

 

[amc49]

Don't toss the other one, it may well be rebuildable. I have never bought new, preferring to do that instead.

 

[popmac]

Don't toss the other one, it may well be rebuildable. I have never bought new, preferring to do that instead.

Thanks for the advice - already on it! I saw a rebuild kit but due to time decided just go buy the full part. When I have some free time on my hands I'll be picking one up to see if I can get it going or not.

 

[OldDirtyHippy]

A couple weeks ago my bike started up fine in the morning, then after work wouldn't start so I bump started it, got home and put the battery on the charger. Next day, same thing - bike started in the morning, nothing at the end of the day. Both times I was just getting a click at the solenoid and nothing else. At that point I figured it was most likely my battery, so I took it back to the store, they tested it and said it was shot, and I picked up a new one. Since putting the new one in I haven't been able to get my bike to start again, just a solenoid click every time I push the starter. I put a new solenoid because they are cheap and mine was looking pretty old and decrepit anyway, but the end result was the same.

At this point I would assume it's the starter motor, which go for about $100 on eBay, but to get it out to be tested it looks like I need a couple special tools that I don't have. Is there anything else I should be checking here, or should I order in the tools I need to check out the starter engine?

I'm having same problem and waiting on new motor. Just confirming bump starting worked? I gotta work lol sick of taking the car