85 ATC 125m starter issue. Could use some advice.

[Pure_Michigan]

I bought this old three wheeler that I found in a barn. It looked pretty rough, but I have it running now and functioning.

With the switch set to "run" and the key in the "on" position the electric starter does not work when I push the starter button,

However, if I cross the solenoid it will work and it will start the engine - so I know the starter motor is good and it works.

Now, it gets a little mysterious. When the engine is running, AND the headlight is on high beam, the electric starter will engage when the starter button is pushed.....When its already running! (when the headlight is off or on "low" the starter button does nothing, only when running and in high beam will you hear the starter motor zing when you push the starter button) So, I know the button actually works, but only after the engine is already running and the high beam is on!

So to recap: with the key on, the starter button does nothing. crossing the solenoid will make the starter work, and after the engine is running the starter will work with the button!

Has anyone else had this problem? Can anyone point me in the right direction on solving this one?

Thanks!

[oxidized_black]

i would try just replacing the solenoid first and see if that corrects itself

[flyinbrian365]

Check the wiring at the connections make sure the color coded wires match up sounds like someone has some wires plugged in wrong. The solenoid will either work or it wont and sounds to be working with the headlight on high. trace the wiring and looks for bare wires or shorts.

[jcyoungkeit]

Check this site for wiring diagram. I ran into this with a similar problem last year. http://www.3wheelerworld.com/oldsite/WiringHonda.shtml

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