starter problems

[2006goldwing]

is there a way to check the starter(not the relays) or make it turn without going through the relays

[Rambozo]

Yes, you can supply high current power right to the starter to make it spin.
Typically, it's easier to just test for power at the starter terminal. If you have no power when trying the starter, you look at the relays, switches and safeties. If you do have power but no starter action, your problem is in the starter. Often, they just need to be taken apart and cleaned of carbon dust.

[2006goldwing]

ok thanks,but that require removing the shelter and gas tank etc.? thanks

[2006goldwing]

are both relays the same part number because i am looking at 35860-mca-a61 and 35850-mca-61? or does it matter?

[Nlmman47]

update.. after letting it sit for a few days went back out to check on it, and for some reason it stated to work. crank it up and let it warm up. a day latter now the fuel system is acting up. possible petcock.it first starve for fuel put the chock on it floods a little. oh well another day in find out what now..

[GoldWingrGreg]

are both relays the same part number because i am looking at 35860-mca-a61 and 35850-mca-61? or does it matter?

Starter relays 'A' and 'B' have different part numbers.

Another way to get power to the starter is jumping power to the rear cable on starter relay 'B'. That cable goes directly to the stater.

[2006goldwing]

update on 2006 starter problems: ordered both honda relays! checked ohms to starter it is reading 173( is that ok?) if i use a test light from positive battery to cable running to starter and it lights up ! is that ok? relays are coming just dont want to harm them! starter does not turn if i just run jumper from hot on battery t to cable to starter! did i miss any checks while waiting on relays? thanks

[Rambozo]

If the starter doesn't run with a large jumper right to the battery, your starter has a problem. It has to come out to see what is wrong.

[Techdude2000]

update on 2006 starter problems: ordered both honda relays! checked ohms to starter it is reading 173( is that ok?) if i use a test light from positive battery to cable running to starter and it lights up ! is that ok? relays are coming just dont want to harm them! starter does not turn if i just run jumper from hot on battery t to cable to starter! did i miss any checks while waiting on relays? thanks

Where did you read 173 ohms? That’s too much for the cables or the starter itself. A test light is useless in this application due to the differences between the starter’s current requirements and the test light’s current requirement.

[2006goldwing]

i read from the rear cable to the starter to positive post on the battery! i tried to jump starter from this cable also but it only sparked a little! no clicking , nothing! I guess i know what that means, ugh!!!!

[Techdude2000]

i read from the rear cable to the starter to positive post on the battery! i tried to jump starter from this cable also but it only sparked a little! no clicking , nothing! I guess i know what that means, ugh!!!!

Yep, dead starter. Be careful when you replace it, make sure it’s fully seated with the splines and the reverse gear engaged before tightening the bolts. No one wants to pull the motor to replace a broken reverse idler gear.

[2006goldwing]

thanks for the help! if and when i get it going again i will post! thanks again!

[2006goldwing]

update on starter problems got fuel tank out<ugh! tried again to jump starter directly to post on starter,no joy! have starter coming(whenever)! hope this the problem,thanks for all the replies!!

[2006goldwing]

yall aint getting off that easy! just for fun? i took a hammer and tapped on the starter while still in the bike and applied power and lo and behold it turned the engine over! new one coming,but my question is should i throw it in the trash or look inside and possible clean keep it for spare?, thanks

[Rambozo]

It probably just needs cleaning and new brushes. Maybe bearings, if it's really worn.
If you bought an aftermarket starter, I would for sure fix the old one as you will probably be needing it sooner than you think.

[2006goldwing]

i bought a low milage used one from a person who dismantles wrecked ones!

[2006goldwing]

you were correct, the brushes were worn out! dirty but looked ok! where do i get brushes?TIA

[Rambozo]

31201-MT8-008 and 31206-MR6-008 can be found at any of the usual suspects.
Partzilla
Mr.Cycles
Local Honda dealer
etc.

Wow, Honda used some of those brushes from 1990 on. I bet they will be available for a nice long time.

[2006goldwing]

thanks to rambozo,very knowledgeable,(im not on electric stuff), any way so far so good,got relays in from honda and now waiting on starter,maybe tomorrow!

[2006goldwing]

got starter in today! pulled it apart,it was perfect! junk yard but original! put it in(after i checked it) it worked great! hooked up battery and fuel pump came on(no gas in tank) but with new factory originals,hit he starter switch, and guess what? engine turned over! who needs honda(who will not work on it) I got goldwing docs! :especially rambozo! one last question(maybe) can i start it without the shelter on it? thanks

[Techdude2000]

got starter in today! pulled it apart,it was perfect! junk yard but original! put it in(after i checked it) it worked great! hooked up battery and fuel pump came on(no gas in tank) but with new factory originals,hit he starter switch, and guess what? engine turned over! who needs honda(who will not work on it) I got goldwing docs! :especially rambozo! one last question(maybe) can i start it without the shelter on it? thanks

Yes, and it’s recommended just to make sure it runs ok and nothing was left unplugged.

[2006goldwing]

thank you!!!!!!I was hoping!

[2006goldwing]

its alive!amazing right!

[Rambozo]

I'm glad to hear it.

[2006goldwing]

me too, i dont ever want to do that again