Help! My S Won't Start

[julian]

My S won't start.

Started fine this morning.
Rode 8 miles to work.
Switched off motor to wait for parking space. Tried to fire her up but it wouldn't start!

Fuel pump works, electrics work, but starter solenoid makes one THUNK when starter is prodded and that's it.

Bump started it and it runs fine but won't work on the leccy boot.

So either the battery terminals are loose or there's an electric problem somewhere. I am running a brand new Hawker Oddysey battery so don't think it's the battery.

Yesterday I put some oil on the side stand because it was sticking - maybe some has got into the cut off-switch on the sidestand.

Any ideas before I call the RAC/or take panels off for a gander.

[Jason M]

My S won't start.

Started fine this morning.
Rode 8 miles to work.
Switched off motor to wait for parking space. Tried to fire her up but it wouldn't start!

Fuel pump works, electrics work, but starter solenoid makes one THUNK when starter is prodded and that's it.

Bump started it and it runs fine but won't work on the leccy boot.

So either the battery terminals are loose or there's an electric problem somewhere. I am running a brand new Hawker Oddysey battery so don't think it's the battery.

Yesterday I put some oil on the side stand because it was sticking - maybe some has got into the cut off-switch on the sidestand.

Any ideas before I call the RAC/or take panels off for a gander.

Sounds like the starter solenoid is stuck mate - take off the plastic cover and give it a thump with something I reckon

[PBBoxer]

I think its your rear caliper metal shavings.
Or it could be a deep vein thrombosis
Good luck

[Skint]

Had this happen on a K not long ago, test the starter motor by putting bike into gear and rolling forward and let out clutch, then try and start it.. On the K it was dust build up in the starter motor chamber,the rocking in gear polished up the contacts before start. To solve it take off the starter motor and strip it.. Not os easy on the S mind.. then clean.

[julian]

er - it just started on the first prod of the starter??

I'll check the battery and starter terminals tomorrow. Will look for nipped wires and chafing too!

JK

[julian]

er - it just started on the first prod of the starter??

I'll check the battery and starter terminals tomorrow. Will look for nipped wires and chafing too!

JK

[Jason M]

er - it just started on the first prod of the starter??

I'll check the battery and starter terminals tomorrow. Will look for nipped wires and chafing too!

JK

Sounds like the starter on my old Golf - needed the occational twat with a breaker bar to work properly -

Good luck!

[julian]

started fine again after work , but then wouldn't start at BMW Battersea aftter getting some brake paste.

Bump started it again. Then some tw*t put the side stand down without engaging neutral. Bump started it again.

I think it doesn't work when hot.

Oh well, I'm fitting the Olhins tomorrow so will include a starter motor service as well

JK

Jason do you still have a spare starter just in case?

[julian]

Just nipped outside.
Engine is cold now.
Started OK.
Maybe somthing is sticking in the starter when it's hot

[Jason M]

Jason do you still have a spare starter just in case?

Aye Aye

[bigblackfalco]

Heat related probs with starter motor are usually the brushes.Very occasionally the solenoid gets sticky.
I've serviced a lot of the Valeo starter motors....they often work better than new.
If the brushes are worn....get yourself a brush pack which includes a new holder etc as these become very brittle with age and often snap when you try putting the new brushes in.
Bailey.

[julian]

Thanks Chaps.

Stripped the starter yesterday. Not sticking anywhere.
Popped the bushes out and they seem fine although I will replace if there's more trouble. Bailey sounds like you may be on the right tack with the bushes because the solenoid can be heard but the motor doesn't turn,

Rear Ohlins fitted - check
Final Drive bearings adjusted - check

Back out now to fit the front Ohlins and the Lennies.

JK

[julian]

Thanks a million to Jason for couriering the starter from my old deceased S from Southampton to London today. Started first time.

Cheers mate.

b.t.w. old motor windings were intermitently shorting through the spindle.