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**03XT600E** · #1 2 Dec 2010

I am new to this area and a bit isolated so don't know any mechanics in the area.

In the parts catalogue is the starter motor listed as "Generator"?

Under the electrical section in the catalogue, ignitor unit assembly, ignition coil assembly, rectifier and regulator assembly are listed but not starter motor or commutator.

**TurboCharger** · #2 2 Dec 2010

Start with the easy things.

So you know the battery is working. Good.

It should be easy enough to check the spark plugs are working too. Pull out one spark plug. Check that it is clean. Now with the spark plug out of the engine but connected to the distribution cable, turn over the engine. Keep an eye on the spark plug to see if you get a spark. If not then clean it with a wire brush or sand paper and try again.

After the spark plugs check the starter motor. This can be tricky especially if you don't know what to look for, try a continuity check first then second take off the starter and investigate.

Next would be a solenoid problem or possibly Carb??? I'm getting out of my depth. Check general health of the electrics for any obvious corrosion or burnt out components.

Good luck.

**03XT600E** · #3 2 Dec 2010

Yes the battery is good but even on full charge the engine turns over very slow.

The spark plug is clean and sparking well.

I have followed the leads and connectors leading from the battery and all are clean dry and corrosion free.

I don't know where the starter motor is, is is where the black negatice battery lead goes to? If so it's a bit awkward to get to.
What am I looking for if and when I get inside the starter motor?

**DAVSATO** · #4 2 Dec 2010

the battery was always a bit weak for the engine in XTs, could do with a decompressor!

**Jens Eskildsen** · #5 2 Dec 2010

My enigne turned over for several minutes when my starter relay got stuck, so i beg to differ =)

How many volts does you're battery hold, after it has stood overnight without a charger? (both of 'em) They should be well over 12v.

**Joe C90** · #6 2 Dec 2010

does it drop the battery volts right down (like 8v) when you are turning it over? either use a bulb to check it (sidelight?) or a multimeter. If so, then it has something restricting the starter motor turning.
If the volts on the battery stay high whilst the motor is struggling, then something is restricting the current flow, like a bad joint on the earth cable (most common) or a corroded cable, muck on the brushes, etc

**03XT600E** · #7 3 Dec 2010

Jens, the new one was disconnected last night and the old one is in a box.
Both batteries are holding 14 volts according to my multimeter.

Joe, I turned the engine over and the volts drop to around 6 or 7 while the starter button is depressed , then back upto 14 when I let go of the button.

All joints look clean and corrosion free, the thick plastic covering of the leads are perfect so I assume from the test that something is restricting the starter motor turning.

As you can tell I am inexperienced with working on bikes, I can change tyres, sprockets, exhausts but have not worked on the engine before except to fit a spark plug, oil change etc.

I assume the starter motor is where the black negative battery lead goes to?
See Pic, looking from right side of bike in betweeen headers and rear brake reservoir.