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first post! a sad one...1982 kz750 ltd wont start
- ldizzle
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I purchased this bike about a month ago... and it had some issues (oil pressure sensor purging oil/I replaced it no big deal,and gasket repair)
I Finally, and confidently, get it all ready to take to work on Thursday...
Turned on the key, lights all engage, in neutral, kill-switch is in "run".. and my solenoid just clicks once.
Nothing.
So I bump start it, ride 'round the block...engine ran perfectly... went back into my driveway, shut it off- expected it to be the battery having a low charge and would have recharged enough to restart. Nothing. Just a single "Click."
So...Drove to work in my car...
I took the battery to autozone and they tested it- all positive.
Bought another battery just in case...Same problem; a single "click."
Checked the solenoid by trying to jump straight from the hot-line to the starter? Nothing but a slight mechanical sigh.
Now, there was a fluid leaking from the left side of the motorcycle when I got it...but I plugged it. It looked like fresh oil or still clear. ...Which was strange because I use conventional oil...
My question is: Do you think my issue is the starter clutch?
And if so, is it worth attempting to fix?
or if so, how much do you think it would be at a repair shop?
Or am I missing something really dumb that would make this issue as well...
Thanks in advance for acknowledging this post!
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- TexasKZ
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If that's not the solution, then it might be a good idea to get a can of Deoxit and a box of cotton swabs and a small wire brush and carefully clean every electrical connector on the bike. MFolks has posted on this a number of times.
A factory shop manual is an important investment for owners of old bikes. It has diagnostic procedures and other important info that will save you time, money and frustration. Get one.
You may also want to search the electrical and carburetor sections of the forum for posts dealing with this issue.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
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- gd4now
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- Denco where did you go?
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1977 KZ650 B1
Pods and Denco header
OLD KAW OWNERS SMILE ALOT
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- ldizzle
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Ive heard rumors of bad grounding issues... But I cleaned the ground today as well.
Keep that info flowing- you guys rock!
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- gd4now
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- Denco where did you go?
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It may just need new brushes, but it could be other things as well. IIRC there are kits for rebuilding / repairing them. But I would not buy a kit until I pull the starter and take a look at it.
1977 KZ650 B1
Pods and Denco header
OLD KAW OWNERS SMILE ALOT
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- Patton
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Good Fortune!
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
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- 650ed
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Nothing."
Are you holding the clutch lever in when you hit the starter button? Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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- ldizzle
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I'll pull the starter motor tomorrow and check it out. Hopefully it will be related- I don't love the idea of breaking into the starter clutch- if the motor isnt hitting the clutch...that makes sense why it wouldn't work.
This will be my first attempt at checking out a starter- I can find some info on it, but any direct info on what to look for in my kz?
I have a ground from the battery to the rear of the engine- looks factory made. I disassembled it, scoured it, and reattached it. Should be a good connection. I did this with all visible connections... I used to play music for a living so electronics are fun to me. But breaking into a starter clutch kinda terrifies me.
Thanks for the help and keep it coming!
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- Patton
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650ed wrote: You said "Turned on the key, lights all engage, in neutral, kill-switch is in "run".. and my solenoid just clicks once.
Nothing."
Are you holding the clutch lever in when you hit the starter button? Ed
Some models have a built in "lock-out" switch that prevents the electric starter from engaging unless the handlebar clutch lever is being fully squeezed in against the handlebar grip.
Good Fortune!
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
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- ldizzle
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Thanks!
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- mbosanko
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- ldizzle
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Does it sound like I need to take the starter apart and rebuild it?
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