starting issue....

[phil823]

quite perplexed my this! the bike an 86 fj1200 will start right up when i pull it off the trickle charger. by about start number 3, EVEN if i have driven the bike, the bike is VERY slow to crank, sometimes only half cranks, just a little "eeRRR" ...i can sometimes hear the starter relay click, but most of the time it does seem to start somehow...and sometimes it doesnt.....
it sounds like a low battery...but i know its not that low! bike off the battery reads 12.1v, at idle 13.2V and at 3k RPM 15v (yes i need the regulator upgrade i assume). i check the batteries fluid level, expecting them to be boiled out, they are right between low and full!
The battery is new from advanced auto as of 4/21/2012

im a little lost as to where to turn. as once the bike starts it sounds and runs great. its just the slow sometimes starting issue.

trying to make a list of things to check,

1. check for corrosion on the starter relay, and check wire to relay.
2. clean ground from battery to the engine case ground (under carbs and stuff)
make a new ground from battery to frame?
is it kill switch or starter button relayed?
perhaps a bad battery from manufacture? although i dont think so
starter issue? perhaps bushings or something (only 1 making contact?)


any help or suggestions would be awsome

[oldktmdude]

   My guess is bad battery. It should read more than 12.1v disconnected. It should be between 12.4v and 12.8v. Sounds like it's not holding full charge. !5v @ 3000rpm is also on the high side.   Regards, Pete.

[akwusmc]

Try cracking the throttle just a wee bit when you try to start it ...

[andyb]

Does it do it intermittently, or under a specific set of circumstances?  Sounds like it maybe does it hot specifically?  If so, that's the starter.

That said, the FJ seems a little more twitchy about battery condition than most.

[soundmindryan]

I agree with Oldktmdude. Bad batt'ry. Won't hold charge. What happens if you don't trickle charge it overnight or two. No start? Replace the battery.

[FJmonkey]

Many here have hot start issues, my 86 does not like to crank over when hot, acts like a weak battery. So now I follow advice given here and crack the throttle open just a touch and she cranks over and starts. I don't even think of it any more, automatic for me. When my starter finally goes I will upgrade to a 4 brush motor, I hear they crank better. Measure your volts while you are cranking, a big drop will mean your battery is knackered, regardless of age.

[SlowOldGuy]

What does the voltage read WHILE cranking?

Once it's running, you're just reading the alternator output, not the actual battery.  If it drops below 10 during cranking, then the battery is bad.  Not unheard of from a "new" motorcycle battery that may have sat on the auto parts store shelf for several years.

But, at least try cracking the throttle during cranking, that also works for me.

DavidR.

[phil823]

MAGIC!

went and returned the battery and got an AGM sealed battery in replacement. installed, Starts up everytime! no stumble or hesitation, the bike also seems to run a but smoother now assuming this attributed to power going to coils. even after roughly 10 restarts its good everytime

i do notice that after running the bike for while when starting i also have to crack the throttle, but it works like a charm!


now i need to do the coil mod and headlight mod!


sidenote at 3kRPM it now reads roughly 16volts....looks like the regulator is due for an upgrade!


things left to do:
1. coil mod
2. headlight mod
3. regulator upgrade
4. new Pull throttle cable

[racerrad8]

i do notice that after running the bike for while when starting i also have to crack the throttle, but it works like a charm!

Still a sign of high starter ampere draw which worsens when hot and resistance rises.

things left to do:
1. coil mod
2. headlight mod
3. regulator upgrade
4. new Pull throttle cable

I can help with #3 & 4. I have the cables in a box from Yamaha  but have not had time to add them to inventory, but I will get to that next week.

Randy - RPM

[yamaha fj rider]

Looks to me like the throttle should be at the top of that list. Upgrades are great but maintenance should be first. 

Kurt

[giovannivt28]

im having a similar situation with my 1990 fj1200 that i bought a week ago when i press the starter button it just clicks lights go out exept for the gas and oil warning lights, sometimes the starter cranks sometimes doesnt I tried to jump start it with my car battery but nothing just click so everytime i have to bump strt it and runs wht could be the problem??

[fj11.5]

dirty plug connections, dodgy battery , starter motor needs cleaning 

[sovrin]

I have the same trouble with my 86.  Only when the bike is hot, after riding a while.  Acts like a bad battery but I have load tested it over and over.  I once had a truck that did the same thing.  Acted like bad battery only when hot.  Mechanic finally told me the starter was the trouble.  Trying to pull too many amps when hot.  I dont understand all that, but it makes me wonder if I should just put a new starter on the old FJ.  I am reluctant to purchase a new battery because I am just not convinced it is bad.  I just pop the clutch to start it when it is hot, but I hate that hassle.

[FJmonkey]

My 86' needs to have the throttle cracked open about an 1/8 or so and I can start with the engine hot. If that bothers you upgrade to a 4 brush starter (kit from RPM) and a Lithum battery.