XR125 starter solenoid

dgo1212 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 06 Dec 2008 Karma :

have bought an XR 125 which had a starting problem when i got it,when i pressed starter button it seemed to ark out across top of terminals,both wires are tight and secure however it was hanging on the frame,put it back in the right place as i thought it was earthing on frame and it was starting fine yesterday however this morning its arcing again,wiggled it and put it back and it started,anyone had this before?i don't mind buying solenoid if it's broke but why would it arc across the top?

Cigaro · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Mar 2007 Karma :

It could arc across the top as when you release the starter button the solenoid springs back and the magnetic field collapses causing back-EMF, which can be of sufficiently high voltage to cause an arc.

By the way, the starter is meant to be attached to the frame, that's how it connects to ground.

dgo1212 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 06 Dec 2008 Karma :

wasn't arcing on release was arcing as i pressed start button and the starter wouldn't turn it just cut the power off altogether for about 10 seconds,the solenoid was hanging on the frame but is now mounted onto the plastic mount in the clip where it should have been before,it only does it now and again now have to shake the solenoid to get it to start but it means removing the side panel,just want to be sure it was the solenoid thats faulty and not a faulty wire or something

threepot · Derestricted Danger Joined: 10 Nov 2012 Karma :

My daughters xr (recently purchased) makes a clicking sound when starter button pressed. Noise Seems from starter solenoid? Could this be the prob? Battery is good. Will only start on bump. thanks

Fizzer Thou · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Aug 2011 Karma :

If you short across the two main posts of the solenoid does the bike then start?
Although you say that the battery is good,if the earth strap from the negative side of the battery to the frame is not making a good connection,the starting power from the battery to the starter motor is insufficient to spin the engine over.

If you have a multimeter a few small checks will be sufficient to enable you to isolate the problem.
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