mrjimh said:
yep yep.. checked the ground, and it seems to be ok... everything is grounded!
I have mounted the decompression handle and wire, but have not been able to drive the bike etc, to test if the decompress leaver will make the engine start with the el-start, when the engine is warm.. (because of snow and ice!! ;-)
But the thing that bothers me the most now, is the fact that the starter engine just suuuummmssss when i try to start the engine, when it`s cold....
I terrible terrible noise...
any other ideas for why the starter imitates an electric saw
(bjuuuuummmm) when it is cold, but drags the engine around just fine when it is warm/has been driven for aprox half an hour!????
i have a recording of the starter noise, but wasn`t able to upload it... anyway, i guess you know the sound.... ;-)
When the engine is cold the oil is very thick and creates a LOT of drag on the engine. There are 2 clutches in the engine that affect engine starting.
The first one is a 'Gear Wheel Slip Clutch' part number 250 283-01. It is designed to slip and prevent breaking teeth on the starter gear wheel if the engine back fires when you are starting it. The clutch was set too soft on some of the 01-03 bikes, and slips too easily, preventing the starter from spinning the engine in the cold. Some of the riders have had to replace this clutch.
The second one is the 'Free Wheel Mechanism' that is some times called a one way clutch. It engages when the electric starter is used, and transfers power from the starter constant mesh gear train to the engine. It also engages if you try to turn the engine backwards, in which it drags the starter motor backwards. Over time and lots of use, this clutch wears and starts sliping and needs to be replaced.
If the auto-decompression device on the cam is worn, and it could be that it is, it must be replaced with the latest model that will fit your bike.
I think the 04 model will fit, but others on this web site that really know should speak up!
One of the previous posts talked about a +12 volt wire being connected to the CDI box. The wire on the CDI you want is white and it connects to a white/blue striped wire in the bike harness. That white/blue wire is connected to the handle bar starter switch wire that provides power to actuate the starter solenoid. Like he said, make sure it is connected.
Try the handle bar decompression lever and let us know if the engine spins then for you, and starts.
After you get these things squared away, the bike should always E-start when warm, but will still require the foot when cold.
In 04, they came out with a more powerful starter, for the 550 and 650. It can be back fitted to your bike but is expensive. You have to replace the starter bracket also because the starter is longer. retrofitting this starter will get you a bike that will E-start cold above freezing if you have the proper oil in it.
Regards,
Joe