850T starter issue

[dl.allen]

So I have a really nice 850T that I spruced up and have been riding.  At the end of the summer the starter would not turn over when I hit the button.  If I hit the button a couple more times it would start right up. Other times is would start on the first push of the button.  The key ignition is a little worn and sloppy.  The battery is great.  Once it turn over the battery turns it over great.

Do you think the starter needs to be cleaned up and serviced or there is a short in the other electrical contacts?

I saved a great thread on here that I found on servicing the starter that I need to do anyway but just thought I would get input while its winter time.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

It could be dirty contacts in the handlebar switch, bad connection(s) in the wiring, defective starter relay or possibly the starter solenoid. Do you hear a faint "click" when you press the starter button?

Tutorial on rebuilding the starter:
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_starter_and_solenoid_repair_-bosch-.html

[dl.allen]

yep, clicks every time but doesn't turn over every time.  Feels like luck of the roulette wheel but so far has not failed to catch

[fotoguzzi]

I'd start with the ignition switch, probably needs an overhaul. of course your battery posts are clean and tight?

[Chuck in Indiana]

I'll throw a dart and say sticky starter solenoid. 

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Sounds like burnt contacts in the solenoid. You can disassemble the solenoid and clean the contacts or simply replace the solenoid. Here's a link with cross-references. They're for the Loopframe Bosch starter, but should be the same as the Tonti unit.

http://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_solenoid_cross-reference_-for_bosch_starters-.html

[Matt]

Drop a screwdriver between the solenoid power (from battery) lug and the solenoid control (1/4" spade). If it snaps to your starter is fine, start looking at bad contacts. I like to use the 1/4" spade connector from the start switch to flip a relay instead of power the solenoid, full voltage all the time. 

[Kiwi_Roy]

Drop a screwdriver between the solenoid power (from battery) lug and the solenoid control (1/4" spade). If it snaps to your starter is fine, start looking at bad contacts. I like to use the 1/4" spade connector from the start switch to flip a relay instead of power the solenoid, full voltage all the time. 

:1: this or a short length of wire will eliminate the solenoid wiring from the equation.

There are several other things to check.
Remove the battery terminals scrape and apply a smear of Vaseline, it could be a bad connection, I can't over stress the importance of applying some grease.
Do the same with the main ground connection, it should be to an engine or gearbox bolt, not to the frame.
Measure the Voltage at the starter terminal while the starter is trying to turn over, it should be at least 10 Volts.

If the Non Drive End bush in the starter gets too badly worn the armature can make contact with the fields, this shows up as a shiny patch, I missed it at first.
http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=75477.0
Not bad for a 40 year old starter IMHO

 

[dl.allen]

All good stuff I'm sure I can solve it.

Matt, are you suggesting eliminating the handlebar start button with some other button? Pics?

[Tom]

Yes to your question.  All the suggestions are valid.  Easy to remedy.  If it still persist.  Maybe your relay but do all the other stuff first.  The ground is an important one.  Another thing that we're assuming is that your battery is in good shape and has the cca's.  Charge it and load test it.  It may be marginal.  I'd start there first and work your way to the starter.

[Kiwi Dave]

Remove the battery terminals scrape and apply a smear of Vaseline, it could be a bad connection, I can't over stress the importance of applying some grease.

Isn't Vaseline an insulator?  How is that going to improve the connection?