Starter problem
 

My starter on my 1988 Suzuki Katana refuses to disengage. I was trying to start the bike after a couple months of sitting, cranking for a few seconds, giving it time to cool down, then trying again. I quit after a few minutes to charge the battery, and then tried again with some starter fluid. It almost started and then the starter refused to disengage, I turned off the key, hit the kill switch but it kept cranking and then quickly drained the battery before it could be disconnected.

I let it sit overnight while charging the battery and the starter still engages immediately when I connect the battery, even without the key in the bike!

Any ideas on what I should look for?

Thanks!
-Dan

Dan,

1) There is a relay (solenoid) between the battery and the starter that sends direct current to the starter when the 'start' button is hit. Sound like the solenoid is stuck in the closed, feed current to starter, position. Trace a wire from either the start button to the solenoid or from the positive battery terminal to the solenoid to find its location. It's probably under some side covers or a faring...yuck. Once you find it, tap it with a screwdriver to see if it will disengage.

2) The 'start' button may also be stuck in the closed, feed current to solenoid, position. The button may feel like it can be pushed in, but the contacts behind it may be stuck closed. You7 may have to take the control apart to take a closer look.

3) Also the solenoid is an electro. magnet and needs sufficent current throught its core to function correctly. Make sure the battery is in a good state of charge.

Try these...good luck

-Charlie