Starter Spinning?

1988 Evo and the starter solenoid or starter it self is spinning from time to time. I tightened all terminals and it seemed to work fine but never rode bike. Just tried to start it again and it spun for 3 minutes before stopping.

It's a new solenoid so what gives? A new starter?

Either the solenoid or the relay is sticking. Easiest way is to check for voltage on the small post of the starter when it is sticking. If you have voltage, check the relay. If there is no voltage check the solenoid and rebuild it. You can do a cheap rebuild by flipping the washer and rotating the studs so all the conact surfaces are are new.

Thanks....

Starter problems.....

Starting Problems: Starter Turns-Motor does not, Starter stays engaged after releasing start button.........

also check the over running clutch in the starter pinion (for the older style starters using separately ,mounted starter/solenoid). While holding the inner portion of starter pinion/overrunning clutch, you should be able to freely spin it one direction and have it lock up when turning in the other direction. If you can turn it in either direction with no lock up, the clutch is bad and the assembly will have to be replaced. As mentioned by the previous post, make sure the solenoid is actually pulling the pinion into the ring gear on the clutch basket. I test in this manner-------Performed incorrectly you can damage the starting system or hurt yourself!!-----THERFORE IF YOU ARE INTIMIDATED BY THE PROCESS DONT DO IT!!-- The quickest way I have to check for solenoid or pinion/overrunning clutch problems is to remove the outer primary, remove both spark plug wires, remove both spark plugs. Turn ignition on and lightly AND I mean ever so lightly and quickly tap the starter button......if all is working fine you should see the pinion gear kick out and see it turn the engine a revolution or to. If the starter spins but the pinion does not engage the ring gear problem is with solenoid, or throw fork/shaft assembly. If the pinion kicks out, engages ring gear, spins but does NOT turn over the engine replace the pinion/over running clutch unit.

This same test works well for the newer style one piece starter units....only difference is parts are mostly internal. If the pinion does not kick out, check solenoid and/or linkage, splines for any binding, if it kicks out, spins but does not rotate engine, then the overrunning clutch located in the inner primary is bad, replace it.

Again, with an open primary exercise due safety diligence. Stay on the opposite side of the bike, keep the kids or anyone else away from the open primary, make sure you dont have any tools, wires or loose clothing shop rags near the sprockets/chains etc.

Sorry to preach on the safety.........but this is a pretty quick test, I've used it countless times without injury or damage and it sure pinpoints any problem areas in a hurry.

While performing this test I normally have the frame end of the battery ground clamped in place, rather than bolted in place. If the solenoid washer/contacts flash and stick you can quickly un-clamp the ground and stop the spinning process. If that starter spinning out of control problem exists after replacing the solenoid I'd also check the starter amperage draw with an inductive meter placed on the positive lead going to the motor. Check your manual for "normal" amperage draw. Remember amperage draw can also be affected by higher compression, camming, timing advanced to far etc., but the readings should come in pretty close to normal. Excessive amperage draw will cause a flash when the washer hits the terminals handling the delivery of amperage from the battery to the starter motor, effectively "tack" welding the washer to the main solenoid terminals and causing the starter to continue to spin.

twshovel........