How to connect cables directly to starter

[gouletp]

Hi. When I press the starter switch, the solenoid clicks and the starter doesn't turn. The battery is good (about 12.6 volts).  I tried shorting the two big bolts on the solenoid with a screwdriver.  I got sparks and the starter didn't turn.  I tried running a booster cable directly to the starter post but all I get is a bunch of sparks.  I connected the positive side of the battery to the post or bolt on the starter.  I connected the negative side of the battery to the frame,  Did I connect everything wrong?  I don't know why I get the sparks.

Thank you

[Frank Angerano]

Your getting the sparks most likely due to only a couple of things.  

1. Bad starter or brushes inside the starter. 

2. The engine is locked up. 

3. The starter gear is jammed up or broken.  

I would pull the starter and bench test it with  a battery.  

[Frank Angerano]

If  the starter spins freely with power applied to it then it may be good.   But be aware that sometimes it will spin without the load of the engine on it.  So just because it spins in a bench test does not mean for sure it’s good.  Also  try to turn  the motor if there is a pull start.  If not take the spark plug out and one of the side covers off and try to spin the motor by turning the flywheel or clutch. 

 

[gouletp]

I had the brushes replaced about a year ago but you got me remembering more details.  A few months ago, when the starter stopped working, well it didn't just stop working.  It sounded like the starter was spinning but not engaging.  Then after a few tries the starter stopped altogether and the solenoid started clicking.  I left it until now. 

I'll remove the starter and bench test it.

I doubt the engine is seized but I guess it could be .  Anyway, the pull start doesn't work.  Could I tow it and jam it in first gear to check if the engine is seized? It's a 4x4 in case that matters.  It would be easier than removing side covers etc.

Thank you for the reply.

[Frank Angerano]

I would take the pull starter cover off and try to spin the engine just to see if it’s all good.  Might  as well repair the pull cord while you’re there.  

I don’t think towing it would be a good to see if the engine spins.  

Stick with bench testing and replacing the starter maybe and go from there. But having the pull cord work is a really good back up in case the battery dies.  So if the bikes worth it then spend the money. 

[Tim-ANC]

Like Frank said, it will be much easier to turn the engine over from the starter pad with the spark plug removed.

I don't belive push starting works on engines with centrifugal clutches.

[gouletp]

Thank you for the reply.  I forgot to mention that my atv is a 1992 Kawa Bayou300 4x4 which has a manual transmission.

[Frank Angerano]

It has a manual shift transmission but not a manual clutch.  When you put the bike in gear the bike will sit and not move.  When you  hit the throttle the bike starts to move ? That’s the centrifugal clutch  expanding and grabbing.  So you can’t push start it.   

 

[Ajmboy]

I would tap the starter with a hammer a few times and see if it cranks. If it does, bad starter. If you jump the solenoid and it doesn't crank, bad starter. 

[gouletp]

I finally removed the starter.  It appears to be seized....at least I can't turn the gear with my fingers, which I should be able to do, right?

Do you think the bearings are shot? What else could it be?

Thank you.

[davefrombc]

You  can try  bench testing the starter by connecting the negative  clamp  of a set of jumper cables to the starter case and touch the  positive  clamp to  the  post on the  starter.  Have a very good grip  on the motor . It is powerful  and  it can  torque  out of your  hand if  it  runs .  Best to  clamp it in a vice to do this test if you  have one .

Edited July 17, 2019 by davefrombc

[Frank Angerano]

You can bench test it. Basically put it on your work bench and put power to the stater for a second.  It should spin.  Black cable on the metal part of the body of the starter and touch the red cable to the lug where the wire bolts up to the starter.  If it does not spin then it’s dead.   Order a new one.