starting intermittant

[seefour]

Been reading some of the advise on here, and maybe need some feedback on an issue. Last couple of times i have used the bike the starter does not engage correctly, and then sometimes works fine. I have removed and cleaned the starter motor as per mikes instructions although inside was fine and clean, the battery is only 2 years old, and on an optimate normally.
I have noticed that when the battery is not fully charged as per green light on optimate the problem happens. When started the bike runs fine.
Question is do i replace the starter motor or the battery to eliminate one or the other from the potential problem, either way it looks like i might be into some expense. Any thoughts????

 

[(RIP) DitchWater]

Try another battery or one of those emergency jump starters. I don't have an Optimate but presume you know its operational characteristics and seem to be using it but, why does it tell you your battery is not charged?

Is it connected all the time when the bike is not being used or do you leave your bike idle for a while and then charge it up?

If your battery is worn out then that's more likely to be your problem if you're happy witt the condition of your starter motor.

 

[Uncle Crumpet]

check your power lead to the starter as well.

 

[(RIP) DitchWater]

check your power lead to the starter as well.

Do you not mean the trigger wire which is less substantial and more likely to degrade?

Either way Uncle's right and it's worth checking, even if you have already removed it and put it back on.

 

[littleredrooster]

What do you mean when you say it 'doesn't engage correctly?'

Is it a loud click and nothing else, a loud click and lots of other clicks, or does the starter motor just spin without turning the engine?

 

[flatdog]

Cheapest first:
If you are using the BMW plug on the S/M cover to charge the battery, then check the connections are free of green corrosion, also the charger side.

Charge the battery directly to ensure it's fully charged.
Clean all terminals on battery and S/M.

If you still have the issue, then change the battery.

 

[seefour]

Thats a loud click and lots of other clicks, but me thinks the motor is turning. I will double check the leads but am sure they are ok. The bike is always connect to the optimate when not in use, but am begining to think the battery may be at fault although when checking with a meter gives 13.5 volts. Am i putting to much faith in the optimate to give me confidence in a fully charged battery when the infamous green light is on. Many thanks for the replys guys keep up the good work, i am coming to the slow conclusion i am going to have to replace the starter and battery and take the money hit.

 

[flatdog]

Thats a loud click and lots of other clicks, but me thinks the motor is turning. I will double check the leads but am sure they are ok. The bike is always connect to the optimate when not in use, but am begining to think the battery may be at fault although when checking with a meter gives 13.5 volts. Am i putting to much faith in the optimate to give me confidence in a fully charged battery when the infamous green light is on. Many thanks for the replys guys keep up the good work, i am coming to the slow conclusion i am going to have to replace the starter and battery and take the money hit.

No don't change the starter, your symptons are indicative of battery/wiring not being up to the job. Just clean as advised. It probably will be the battery but do the checks first if you want to save money

 

[seefour]

Flatdog, thanks for the concern, will do, just getting a bit frustrated and need to be out on the bike.

 

[(RIP) DitchWater]

The voltage you measure on your battery only has meaning when you are trying to start the bike. If your measured voltage drops below 10Vdc then you are starting to have trouble.

Try jump starting it. That will tell you a lot and could save you a starter motor. If you keep banging your starter motor into the flywheel from a weak battery you will ruin the starter motor and risk the health of your flywheel's ring gear.

Try one of these. Mine was £25 several years ago.

 

[littleredrooster]

Thats a loud click and lots of other clicks,

Your battery is goosed. The green light on the Optimate merely tells you that the bulb is working!

New battery needed - and don't forget to charge it up before using it; they only come with about 60-70% charge.

 

[seefour]

littleredrooster, many thanks, i have come to the conclusion after checking all leads and connections and stripping the starter to find it reletavly clean, that yes the battery is goosed as you say, just ordered new one, only issue is why the battery only lasted 2 1/2 years, admittingly i have not used the bike to its full, having got more than one toy in the garage, but still original battery lasted 7 years, suppose its the luck of the draw????

 

[seefour]

New battery fitted, and guess what, everything seems fine now, not had chance to road test, but already the bike seems crisp and alive again. Amazing what a new battery will do. Many thanks for the comments and help.