So yesterday I go to take the Monster out for the first time in a few weeks and when I went to start it, it back fired alittle and I let go of the starter button. Only problem is the bike is still cranking over. I hit the kill switch and turned the key off and the bike is still cranking!!
I ended up grabbing a 10mm in the garage and taking the wire off the starter to stop it. I later reconnected everything and got the bike started, but what I need to know is how to prevent this from happening again.
I am sure having the battery a little low was part of the cause. (I also have a high compression 944 with flatslides which I am sure doesn't help) I have beefed up the wiring with a kit from Desmo Times, and beefed up the grounds. Should I change the starter relay (it has done this once before with the battery also worn down from sitting)?
For now I have left a 10mm on the bike incase it happens again and I have to disable the starter.
Thanks for any info.
Buy a new solenoid. It will happen again. You can get a Yamaha unit from Chris Kelley for less than the OEM. Same solenoid, different connectors.
http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/shop/catalog/ducati/elec.html (http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/shop/catalog/ducati/elec.html)
Scroll down.
QuoteI am sure having the battery a little low was part of the cause.
That's something I never thought about but I think my battery was also low when the starter solenoid stuck. Not sure about the physics of DC motors but if the voltage is low and the motor is struggling, I wonder if more current flows to compensate and it's the heat from the additional current that fries or welds the contacts together?
Quote from: Langanobob on October 13, 2009, 06:01:01 PM
That's something I never thought about but I think my battery was also low when the starter solenoid stuck. Not sure about the physics of DC motors but if the voltage is low and the motor is struggling, I wonder if more current flows to compensate and it's the heat from the additional current that fries or welds the contacts together?
You got it. Less voltage = more amps, more arcing at the contacts, possibility of welding.
Thanks guys, I just wanted someone elses opinion before I installed another relay just for my health. Having the starter stick is a major pita. I don't want to burn up a starter $$$.
Rode it this weekend with a full battery and it was fine. I will replace the battery as preventative maintenanace over the winter.
Keep those batteries topped off.