‘86 GL1200A Aspencade - Starter ?

[Joenson]

So…

My fuel pump didn’t work - as usual, when I start it up after the winter. I pulled it off and gave it a little love - as usual - and put it back on. THEN…. When I hit the “start” button, absolutely nothing happens. Well - all lights turn off like if it is making a complete shotcircuit. But no “click”, no nothing.. It was working fine before I took off the fuel pump.?!
Is my starter motor completely dead or does it just need some love and service too ? Maybe new brushes.?
I guess that if there is no “click” the starter solenoid is dead. Or..??
Battery is brand new.

[lcdrjoe]

Just a suggestion. You could use a voltmeter to see if voltage is getting to the starter when you push the start button. You could even see if the solenoid is working by checking for voltage on the big wire on the solenoid itself that sends power down to the starter when you push the start button. Check the fuse on the start solenoid. Maybe it's in gear or thinks it's in gear.

[avhamil]

The quick and dirty way to diagnose the starter is to throw a jumper cable from the positive end of the battery to the post on the starter. The body of the starter is grounded out so be careful as to not make sparks. If that doesn’t work, I’d start looking at the starter relay.

It’s strange that you’d have starter problems after messing with the fuel pump. Maybe try taking out your spark plugs and then turning her over. It could be hydrolocked

Maybe the battery’s died from turning it over with a bad pump?

[lcdrjoe]

I think what avhamil means is, If that does work, I’d start looking at the starter relay.

[Joenson]

Thanks for all the good suggestions. I'll check everything as you described.
What does 'hydrolocked' mean? Never heard of that before.

[lcdrjoe]

If a substantial amount of liquid gets in a cylinder when the piston comes up and tries to compress that liquid, it won’t be able to and the engine will simply lock up. In my limited experience with it you can just take the spark plugs out and the engine will again rotate. But get out of the way of the liquid flying out of the plug hole.

[Joenson]

Ok. That makes sense.
But as my fuel pump didn't work, I do not think that hydrolock is the problem..
I'll give it a try and remove the plugs, tho.

[Joenson]

Update:

I tried the jumper cable to the starter. It is spinning fine and turning the engine.
Then I tested the starter solenoid, to check if it was clicking - it wasn't.
My solution was to order a brand new starter solenoid, and a brand new fuel pump - just to be sure.. Installed both. Turned the key. Pushed the button... Aaaand...
It had absolutely no effect, other than my wallet was slightly lighter..
It still seems to have a short circuit, as my light fade when I push the button.

So... This years summer vacation road trip will be in the car. Sadly.