84 VF500F starting problem

I did some searching and I think I have my answer but I wanted to pass it by some of you first.

The bike push-starts, runs, and runs fine but she won't start with the starter. I have good spark, battery, fuel, and the air filter is clean. My thought is that the starter is bad. It turns and tries to turn the engine over, but doesn't. Is there another test I should be trying?

Thanks!

 

Load test the battery before anything.

Clean the terminals on either end of the wire at the starter and the solenoid. Check same wire for breaks or kinks. If all is good, new brushes to rebuild the starter are less than $20 at your local Honda shop and most likely they will have them in stock.

 

Everything tested correct, but it's still not turning over. When I hit the starter button, she turns but won't catch. There is compression, spark, and fuel. The starter is working because there is an occasional catch, but not enough to start. Once I push-start and run for a while, she starts up again without any issues.

Maybe she just doesn't like being cold.

 

Maybe the starter clutch is slipping?

 

Do you mean it actually engages the engine and cranks but doesnt start running? Or does the starter spin and not engage the engine?

Also when you mention that you can push start it and then it starts do you mean after you warm the engine by push starting it it will then start with the starter?

 

I think ianjoub is correct in telling you to check the battery. I recently had a similar problem and did all the hard (silly?) things like checking the soleniod, starter motor, and starter clutch. I then discusssed it with my auto electrician and he said "I'm 95% sure its the battery"....and it was.

Try putting a multimeter, set to read the battery voltage, across the battery while you press the starter button. If it drops significantly (below 12V say) then you need a new battery.

 

+1 If you havent already, not only is it a likely culprit but it is very easy to do, way easier then taking anything apart.

 

Bingo. The starter spins and there is pressure in the cylinders, but the engine does not turn over. This leads me to believe that the starter is engaging the engine, but there isn't enough oomph to turn it over.

And after push-starting and the engine is warm, she will start with the starter. The battery is new in November, and was cycled during the winter. I have not tested the voltage, but will do that before taking anything else apart. If the battery is the culprit, is there a recommended battery that I should get instead of the OEM?

Other things that were suggested is running high-test fuel, and a thinner oil. Are these likely to help?

If I remember, I will get an audio clip to assist with the diagnosis.