78 gl1000 starter

F6Fritz · Post by **F6Fritz** » Sun Sep 16, 2012 1:35 pm

Hi I'm new here. I just picked up a none running 78. The guy said it ran but not very well. When I hooked up a battery (jumped from a truck) it cranks very slow if at all (heavy load, dims my truck lights). I took the plugs out, spins over good. Sounds like the starter relay is clicking. Bad relay or starter? Any ideas.

Thanks in advance

Post by **WingAdmin** » Sun Sep 16, 2012 6:35 pm

Sounds more like bad battery. A bad battery won't crank well even if jumped.

bustedwing · Post by **bustedwing** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 7:46 pm

If it dims the lights on your truck I believe you have more problems, although a bad battery could be a contributor.The starter should not draw that much power.An inexpensive amp gauge can be purchased at most automotive parts stores.The spark plugs should be in to do the draw test. With a fully charged battery push the start button.

Fred Camper · Post by **Fred Camper** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 8:59 pm

There is a very good thread on rebuilding the starter on this site. It is the reason I joined this site. It explains how to rebuild the starter with common tools and typically needs no new parts but just a good internal cleaning, lube and new paint for the outside. New battery and a starter rebuild will help a bunch.

landisr · Post by **landisr** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 6:25 am

You can eliminate the battery as an unknown by just removing it completely from the bike and connecting the jumper cables to the bike's cables. Make sure the bike's cables are free of corrosion and there is a solid connection. Another thought.. If the motor spins better without spark plugs, you might have a cylinder or two full(?) of fuel, gas or water.

Let us know how things go.

Ron in MI

F6Fritz · Post by **F6Fritz** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 5:18 pm

Thanks guys,
I'm going to check the grounds and pull the starter and rebuild it. I think if I had water or gas in the cylinders it would have blew out when I cranked it over without the plugs in.

Post by **WingAdmin** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 7:59 pm

landisr wrote:You can eliminate the battery as an unknown by just removing it completely from the bike and connecting the jumper cables to the bike's cables. Make sure the bike's cables are free of corrosion and there is a solid connection. Another thought.. If the motor spins better without spark plugs, you might have a cylinder or two full(?) of fuel, gas or water.

Let us know how things go.

Ron in MI

Many times the points of contact of the jumper cable are insufficient to carry the current to spin the engine. They will allow current to flow to the dead battery in the bike, charging it, and when the starter is pressed, it is using THAT stored current to spin the starter. But there are not a lot of jumper cables that can handle the massive current required by the starter through the tiny contact points on the spring clamps.

scotterichmond · Post by **scotterichmond** » Wed Sep 19, 2012 8:32 am

I have used this kit twice, it is so complete I can't use all the parts. good price too.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/STARTER-REBUILD ... 6rk%3D1%26

78 gl1000 starter

78 gl1000 starter

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Re: 78 gl1000 starter

Re: 78 gl1000 starter

Re: 78 gl1000 starter

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Re: 78 gl1000 starter