Starting Problems

When I push the start button the engine cranks for a couple of seconds
Then, it "rattles" ans stops cranking
It'll do this over and over again 'till it either starts up or the battery drains ans I have to jumpstart
The sound is a metallic, rattling type sound, like metal on metal. When it makes this sound, it'll last a half second or so and then - nothing
Who's good at diagnosing stuff?
We need a good doctor

Maybe the starter relay is clicking.

Some simple steps to determine what is working and what's not:

1.Fully charge the battery.

2.Clean all battery teminals of corrosion.

3.Tighten all starting related connections(Positive RED(+) battery teminal,Negative BLACK(-)teminal) and from the teminal to the engine case.All connections must be clean and tight.

4.Clean the cable from the starter solenoid to the starter motor.

5.Clean and check the "bullet connectors" going to the coil side of the starter solenoid.

6.Try again to start the bike.

7.If no luck, go to step #8

8.Wearing eye protection, bridge with pliers or a screwdriver the two heavy duty(large)terminals on the solenoid. If the bike cranks, your solenoid may be bad.

9.The dealer may want $$$ for a new one, but take your old solenoid along and visit the nearest riding lawn mower shop. They have solenoids for about $15 that with a little work will work.

Thanks!

I've put in a new battery (the old one was way down on electrolyte)

If this doesn't fix it I'll do as you suggested

I'll let you know

Man - this sounds like a starter clutch going out. When it's rattling is the starter still turning? Is the sound like some loose ball bearings in a metal coffee can?

Perfect description!
That's exactly what it sounds like!

Now - - -my Clymer manual says I've got to take off:
Exhaust system
Oil Pan
Clutch assembly
Oil Pump and
Secondary Shaft

The starter clutch is on the secondary shaft

To rebuild, I replace rollers and springs
and then reassemble

Sounds good on paper

Unfortunately though, I am the worst mechanic this world has ever seen

And - - - it isn't worth paying someone to do it

I'm screwed

Anybody need parts?

"I am the worst mechanic this world has ever seen"...

Time to change that don't you think...
Meaning you have the manual, read it 100 times (morning dump), and page by page disassemble while taking pictures along the way for reference when putting back together..

Ask a whole slew of questions along the way here for there are guys here who really have the knowledge willing to share...

Repair and assemble...

It's not that difficult once you get into it...

Same time, where do you live (state) and what do you want for the bike? Maybe someone here can help or take it off your hands...

OMR

if you take your time and follow the manual don't cut corners and ask questions it can be quite a learning experiance. it seems a shame to let go a perfectly good bike because of something so simple winter is coming and you will have plenty of time to get it fixed for spring. i built my first drag bike over a 2 year period on the 50.00 every pay check plan it all came together nicly. you can do it. just make up your mind and it will happen if you run into any snag's we are here for you brother.

Dave,

Try and get a factory manual too, between the two you'll have lots of info. It definitely sounds like a winter project to me. There have been a couple of really good descriptions of how to do it with the engine still on the bike, but I couldn't find them. Maybe someone else will remember where they are.

Good luck!

I've ordered all my factory shop manuals from www.repairmanual.com It might be a few $ but it has all the latest specs on the bike.