1986 Gl1200 Interstate Wont Start

[Itchyrbuckle]

Hi all
My first post as a new Goldwing owner.
History:
I was given a 1986 Gl1200 Interstate from my father which had been sitting in the garage for about 5 years. It needed a new fuel pump and battery which I have fitted. The bike fired up and I have taken it for a few short rides round the block. It had some heating issues which I think I have fixed by checking the thermostat and putting a flush through the system. there was plenty of small debris coming out and after about 20 flushes it looked clean.
Problem:
I took the bike for a spin round the block yesterday (approx 10km) and all was well. I tried starting the bike this morning and nothing apart from hearing a click from the starter relay each time I pressed the start button. I have tried using a screwdriver to connect across the two main terminals on the relay but nothing. I tried giving the starter motor a tap with a hammer and it sounds like its trying to turn over albeit very begrudgingly so I am unsure where to go from here...does that sound like the problem is with the starter motor or something? Any help would be greatly received.

I have also tried removing the plugs but starter motor still won't work
cheers, Steve

[Rambozo]

First thing is to measure the voltage at various points from the battery to the starter. Measure the current if you are able to.
Depending on what you find will dictate the next step.
My guess is that you will want to pull the starter and clean it out and check the brushes. But that is only a guess based on the fact that you say the starter was trying to turn over. The voltage readings will tell the tale.

[Itchyrbuckle]

Thanks Rambozo I will give that a go over the coming week and report back. I do have voltmeter but will need to brush up on my skill in using it

[landisr]

You might also check for 'hydro-lock'; that is, a cylinder could be full of raw gas due to a carb float being stuck in the 'down' position allowing gas to gravity feed. Unless, of course, you are in the habit of shutting off the petcock when parked... ?

Ron in AZ

[Itchyrbuckle]

Thanks Ron, I have removed the plugs but it hasn't made any difference.
cheers

[landisr]

Just a stretch for sure, but is it in neutral?

[Itchyrbuckle]

Hey Landis, yes idiot light shows green and confirmed by checking rear wheel is free rolling
Cheers

[Itchyrbuckle]

Hey guys I have managed to test the current.
Battery is showing 12.5
starter relay on on both main connectors show 12.1 (when start button is pressed
the lead that connects at the starter motor end also shows 12.1

I have removed the starter motor but have not disassembled yet. I can turn the spline but that only tells me its not stuck.

Does the current sound right? and if so would that suggest my starter motor is poked?

cheers,
Steve

[Rednaxs60]

You can bench test the starter. I would recommend taking it to an electrical shop and let it rebuild the starter for you. Did the DIY clean and such some 5 or so years ago, worked well, but started to drag a bit. Took into the local electrical shop and it's now back to working well - the shop should change the brushes, bearings (new bearings will help immensely) and such, was less expensive than a new/refurbished aftermarket starter. Should be same day service.

A consideration is that if you do the clean, take it apart and unfortunately break something, you're euchred so to speak. The shop will make it right. Not a lot of wiggle room taking one of these apart. There is a small alignment dowel in the drive end that you need to be aware of. If you lose it, you're done as well.

You're measuring voltage not current. The readings look good.

Good luck.

[Itchyrbuckle]

Thanks for the good info Rednaxs60

Thought I would take the chance. I removed the front and back caps and noticed a heap of carbon powder? in the back cap. Cleaned that and then cleaned the commutator with some isopropyl. The brushes looked good so gave them a clean too. Put it all back together and put bike back together. Gave the old girl a start and worked a treat!

Maybe it was a bit of luck and good fortune, who knows but thank you all for your valuable input.

cheers,
Steve