2008 R1200 GSA starting

[philg]

Just wondered if this problem rings a bell with anyone?

I bought a GSA recently and it starts fine normally, but occasionally I just get a click or two on hitting starter button, and then it starts OK.

The bike has 25k miles and over the last few years, MOTs show annual mileages of around 1000 miles/year.

I'm suspecting the starter motor is the likely source of the problem , but that's a guess, the fact it starts OK most of the time, has a fully charged Odyssey battery in it, the wiring looks good, no corrosion (appreciate needs checked), I get a click, so relay is OK(unless I'm just hearing the starter motor engage). Has anyone had any similar experiences? I've had to replace the starter on a R1100RT in the past, so just thinking they don't last.

Cheers
Phil

 

[Galactic Greyhound]

That click could be the Starter Relay or the Starter Motor Solenoid operating.

The Starter Motor then not operating could be a faulty Starter Motor brushes, or, poor battery connections not allowing the 150 Amp starting current to flow.

Disconnect and clean the battery terminals and leads to bright metal and reconnect.

Check whether it is the Starter Relay or the Solenoid operating (use a long screwdriver to your ear).

If the Solenoid operates, then it is Starter Motor brushes or field magnets detached and jamming the motor.
You need to strip the motor to check.

 

[philg]

Thanks for the reply, I'll go through those steps and let you know how I get on. I can see you're a relatively new member here, but I'm sure I remember your username from other BMW forums where you've answered loads of technical questions, and probably helped me in the past. Cheers for that.

 

[Bendy toy]

The starter motor is attached with two bolts. On mine the epicyclic gears were bone dry and the brush area was filthy with carbon A good clean and grease improved its starting ability.

I used fine cable ties to hold the four carbon brushes while fitting the armature then snipped off the ties once it was all securely in place.

 

[Pukmeister]

Is it okay when cold but difficult to start when hot ?

Mine has the above symptoms, no surprises when you discover how hot the starter motor gets due to heat soakage from the engine.

 

[Magwych]

The starter motor is attached with two bolts. On mine the epicyclic gears were bone dry and the brush area was filthy with carbon A good clean and grease improved its starting ability.

I used fine cable ties to hold the four carbon brushes while fitting the armature then snipped off the ties once it was all securely in place.

Mine were the same, plus only a few mm of brushes left.
New brush holders, complete with brushes, are available here :
http://www.cps-service.co.uk/produ...troen-mini-peugeot-audi-seat-skoda-ford-p-165 at a reasonable price. Easy job to fit.




Sent from my SM-G388F using Tapatalk

 

[Bendy toy]

Also check the main earth lead to the top of the engine near alternator.

 

[er-minio]

Is it just one or two and then it starts without releasing the button, or do you have to switch off/on the bike and press again?

Mine was doing a similar thing couple of years ago (see video). Everything fine, then every once in a while, clicking. Bump start, then again fine for maybe one or two months. Battery always seemed to be fully charged.

Simply replaced the battery, at some point, and it's gone.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GO432j0WLyc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Bendy toy]

Is the clicking as loud as it sounds? If it really is I'd say it's a sticking starter. If its simply the microphone exaggerating the noise then its more likely a weak battery to poor earth connection.

A voltmeter to watch the voltage while the button is pressed might show something.

 

[er-minio]

Is the clicking as loud as it sounds?

In my case, yes. The sound was pretty accurate.

 

[duckspeed]

Poor battery connections is the most likely plus check engine earths

 

[Bendy toy]

Im sure mine isn't that loud as the starter engages so could be the starter is tight internally.

 

[er-minio]

isn't that loud as the starter engages

Yea. In my case the starter wasn't even trying.

 

[seahorse]

I had a similar issue earlier this year. Hit the button, just a click, press second time, starts straight away. This didn't happen every time but probably 7 or 8 times out of ten. I saw something on another site which sounded like my problem. The gist of it was that this happened after fitting a new battery, and the adaptation values needed re-setting. As I have a GS911 I did just that and have never had a problem since. Worth a try if you know anyone that has a GS911. Unfortunately I am not exactly local to you or I would gladly help!