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TECHNICAL MOTOBRICK WRENCHING In Remembrance of Inge K. => The Motobrick Workshop => Topic started by: A on May 18, 2011, 08:44:36 AM

Title: Starter relay
Post by: A on May 18, 2011, 08:44:36 AM: 1985 BMW K100 naked.

Starter seems to crank whenever the battery is connected to the wires.

What to do to get to the starter relay?

Can the relay be repaired or only replaced?

Where is a good source to find replacement starter relay?

Any less expensive replacements than BMW OEM Bosch units?

Please provide links if you know of any.

Thank you

A
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: frankenduck on May 18, 2011, 10:54:08 AM: Usually this is caused by trying to start the bike with a low battery. The relay contacts don't fully engage so a spark develops between them which welds the contacts shut so that the relay does not disengage.

The starter relay is located in the right rear corner of the relay box under the rear of the fuel tank:

(http://smithduck.home.comcast.net/~smithduck/bmw/relay/oldrelaybox.jpg)

Sometimes this can be cured by taking a crescent wrench or whatever and giving the right rear corner of the relay box a sharp rap.

There really isn't a direct replacement other than the K bike starter relay.

Good used parts can be found here: www.kbikeparts.com (http://www.kbikeparts.com) That's me. The page is a bit out of date though so if there's something you need but don't see then drop me an email. I do have good used starter relays.
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: A on May 18, 2011, 02:52:07 PM: Thanks, I just replaced the old battery to a new one that passes voltage test and load test with flying colors..
Whenever the battery cables are connected tot eh battery, the starter would start cranking without me hitting the starter button on the handlebar.

Seems to be a common occurrence of starter relay going faulty due to low voltage battery, but I'm surprised that among BMW owners no one has come up with or found an alternative to the flimsy Bosch relay.. ? ???
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: johnny on May 18, 2011, 03:04:39 PM: greetings a...

yawl bro... i dont recall those starter relay contacts fusing together very often... and when they do i recall it always being due to a low battery... and when you consider busting the contacts open is pretty easy... the need to find an alternative has not been a priority... if you find a suitable replacement let us know...

so whats the deal... your battery is good... did you free the contacts...

j o
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: frankenduck on May 18, 2011, 05:53:33 PM: A flimsy battery is the issue, not a flimsy relay.

It's just a relay. If you wanted to you could swap in any "normal" relay as long as it's rated for the amps that the starter pulls. Not sure what that number is though. You'd probably have to redo the terminals on the wiring though.
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: Belplasca on June 01, 2011, 10:39:42 AM: Quote from: frankenduck on May 18, 2011, 05:53:33 PM
A flimsy battery is the issue, not a flimsy relay.

It's just a relay. If you wanted to you could swap in any "normal" relay as long as it's rated for the amps that the starter pulls. Not sure what that number is though. You'd probably have to redo the terminals on the wiring though.

It's actually a Bosch "0 332 002 161" which may be available from Bosch dealers...

Bob
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: frankenduck on June 01, 2011, 10:49:53 AM: Just because it says Bosch and has a number on it doesn't mean it's not specific to K bikes. For example, the L-Jetronics of K75s and K100 say Bosch and have numbers on them and those are most definitely specific to K bikes.
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: Belplasca on June 01, 2011, 12:32:12 PM: Quote from: frankenduck on June 01, 2011, 10:49:53 AM
Just because it says Bosch and has a number on it doesn't mean it's not specific to K bikes. For example, the L-Jetronics of K75s and K100 say Bosch and have numbers on them and those are most definitely specific to K bikes.
But, in this case, it's a standard Bosch relay...

Bob
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: frankenduck on June 01, 2011, 12:53:47 PM: Quote from: Belplasca on June 01, 2011, 12:32:12 PM
Quote from: frankenduck on June 01, 2011, 10:49:53 AM
Just because it says Bosch and has a number on it doesn't mean it's not specific to K bikes. For example, the L-Jetronics of K75s and K100 say Bosch and have numbers on them and those are most definitely specific to K bikes.
But, in this case, it's a standard Bosch relay...

Bob

What makes you so sure? I tried Googling that part number and nothing came up. If you have a source for it other than BMW I'd be interested in knowing about it.

Also, be careful using the term "standard Bosch relay" because that generally refers to one of these in the four or five pin configuration:

(https://www.carpartsdiscount.com/auto/archive/pictures/52575/600/1/P/2C498F2/volkswagen_beetle_bosch_relay_oem_0_332_019_150_332019150.jpg)

The K bike starter relay looks nothing like that.

(http://www.kbikeparts.com/p/elec/k0831starterrelay.jpg)
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: Inge K. on June 01, 2011, 08:13:17 PM: FYI: Some Bosch standard relays...page 14:

http://www.boschmotorsandcontrols.co.uk/relais/relais.pdf (http://www.boschmotorsandcontrols.co.uk/relais/relais.pdf)

Inge K.
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: hbanbury on July 22, 2014, 10:29:09 AM: Update on this topic FYI...

This replacement Relay is currently manufactured by Tyco in Portugal in the same Factory Building that Bosch owned.

TYCO / Siemens Electronics equivalent TYCO purchased the Bosch Relay Division .

Bosch no longer manufactures relays; they are all made by Tyco and private labeled for Bosch by Tyco.

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR BATTERY VOLTAGE IS 12.6+VOLTS. NO WARRANTIES FOR STUCK RELAYS

NOTE:
Check battery health and voltage.
Low battery voltage will cause any electromechanical relay to stick and malfunction, causing eventual failure.

NO WARRANTY WILL BE HONORED FOR RELAY POINTS WELDING TOGETHER DUE TO LOW VOLTAGE BATTERIES.

Available here...
http://www.euromotoelectrics.com/BOSCH-Starter-Relay-BMW-K-61-31-1-459-008-p/rel-k008.htm (http://www.euromotoelectrics.com/BOSCH-Starter-Relay-BMW-K-61-31-1-459-008-p/rel-k008.htm)
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: cmattina on July 22, 2014, 10:41:55 AM: Although I am relatively new k-bike owner I can say for certainty, that the problem you are having may not be caused my the relay or the battery.

It has happened twice to me, each time my clutch had something to do with it! The first time it happened after adjusting the kickstand return mechanism (i must have did it wrong). The second time I got home from doing errands, turned the bike off and the starter continued to run. I figure it's the relay, so i go buy a 70 dollar non-returnable relay from Napa, they have the alternative as laid out in the Liebrary. Put in the new relay, and the starter continued to run... Now I have a "spare". Since the new relay did nothing, i look at the clutch - my locknut had backed all the way out (I remember when i snugged it up i didn't give it as much as I normally do).

However, re adjusting the clutch did not fix my problem, neither did changing the relay. My battery showed "low" on my auto charger (but, of course it did it was running my starter for a combined minute and half as I was trying to get test it and shut it off).

So, i charged the battery, removed and inspected the starter, cleaned the ground contacts connected to the starter, and the problem was fixed. Don't know what or why. However, i still believe the clutch had something to do with it. My battery tests good and my bike starts good every time, i think it was low AFTER the starter got stuck. My k bike is very clean and all my contacts were clean to begin with and I also do not believe my battery had anything to do with it.

don't go replace the starter relay before inspecting the clutch, and cleaning the ground points around the starter (and removing the starter if you have the time). Perhaps a low battery had something do with it AFTER i adjust the clutch, because by the time the battery had BECOME low.
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: gladstone on July 22, 2014, 05:39:20 PM: I had the same issue as the original post in that cranking on a low battery fused the relay. I was so convinced it was going to catch fire (things got very hot) I quickly wheeled the bike out of the garage and it dropped down a small kerb and jarred the relay free.

A new battery solved the issue. NEVER crank a K on a low battery.

Cheers
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: gpcrane on July 29, 2014, 01:27:11 AM: Same problem here. When I disconnected my batt. (to stop the starter) I noticed the pos. leed was not tight (no lock washer). My fault on that since I changed the batt. over the winter. Followed the advice from a earlier post and hit the elec. box in the right rear side with a wrench (my favorite way to fix things (see avatar)). It worked :clap: Thanks for saving me the bother of buying a new relay, pulling the tank and missing great weather.

Cheers :mm Greg
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: umichchris on October 30, 2016, 08:22:23 PM: Hey everyone, i'm also experiencing this problem. given that ive only owned the bike a week, im not very familiar with the bike/platform but im pretty handy in the garage.

Here's what's happening...twice in the past week the starter will not shut off. the killswitch would not make it stop the first time it happened nor would removing the key. in order to get the system to shut down i popped it into gear and released the clutch and the bike stalled and the starter finally stopped.

this happened a second time in one week so now i dont want to ride the bike until i get to the bottom of the issue. the issue has only happened twice and ive been riding the bike nearly daily in the past week.

the previous owner told me he recently replaced the battery (it looks brand new). he also provided a batter tender as well. right now i have the system charging (in hopes that its just low voltage).

in order to check/test the starter relay, i need to remove the gas tank? im guessing ill need to drain all the fuel from the tank first before removing (that sounds like a very long process). correct?

thanks for your help!
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: mystic red on October 30, 2016, 08:58:53 PM: No need to drain the tank. Just plug the lines when you disconnect them. I use golf tees.
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: Filmcamera on October 30, 2016, 09:01:56 PM: You don't have to drain the fuel to remove the tank, do you have a workshop, Clymer or Haynes manual? If not a download is available on this site...
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: umichchris on October 30, 2016, 09:07:51 PM: Quote from: Filmcamera on October 30, 2016, 09:01:56 PM
You don't have to drain the fuel to remove the tank, do you have a workshop, Clymer or Haynes manual? If not a download is available on this site...

yup, the previous owner gave me a new Clymer book when i bought the bike, taking a deep dive into it now...

sounds like i need to check the starter relay (maybe replace it), check the connections on the stater itself and ensure they are not loose...thats my first line of attack for now
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: mystic red on October 30, 2016, 09:20:51 PM: There ya go! If battery is good, check the connections.😆
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: Martin on October 30, 2016, 09:22:53 PM: I've had my k75 for approx 16 years .Just after I got it the relay stuck and the starter just kept cranking until the battery overheated & the side of the battery blew out.Battery acid everywhere lucky I had access to plenty of water.After it happened for the second time & I knew to disconnect the earth lead( resulting in one burnt finger.I have now fitted an in line battery isolator switch ( the smallest I could find).This has been fitted behind the side cover it required the cutting of the earth lead & removing a short length of cable to accommodate the switch and soldering in two lug connectors.I can now isolate the battery and it can be used as a security device by removing the key.You can access the switch without having to remove the side cover.Somebody else pointed out that he had a Ural which was fitted with one as standard. It was handy when you wanted to work on the bike & needed to isolate the electrics. You can pull apart the relay and clean up the points. http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,8995.msg70926.html#msg70926 (http:// Battery Isolator)

Regards Martin
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: umichchris on November 03, 2016, 03:13:02 PM: Hey everyone, i thought that since i just bought the bike, perhaps the battery was low and needed a solid charge...that was one of the top suggestions for a fix. So.....i connected the bike to the battery tender each night after riding throughout the day for the past week. No issues.

BUT THEN...today while on my way into the office i could hear the starter continually running. In addition to that, the electronics on the bike were malfunctioning. The headlight would not turn on and my turn signals intermittently would not work either. Right now, im just planning to ride home midday and park the bike before it gets dark out.

The start would not shut off until i un-bolted the negative cable on the transmission (luckily i was prepared for that thanks to your suggestions - thanks again all).

So, now...im not sure where to start. Its definitely not a low battery issue. I can see in all of the paperwork and maintenance records from the previous owner that the starter relay was replaced back in 2014...so this may be a recurring problem...wish me luck!
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: umichchris on November 21, 2016, 04:03:03 PM: took everything apart....gave the relay a sharp tap like suggest within this thread and others...put the bike back together and the issue came right back after a couple of starts.

i just ordered a new relay today. hopefully it arrives this week so i can install this coming weekend.

all connections are nice and tight. my battery is pretty new (replaced in February of this year). the voltage output reads roughly 12.89v when i put it on a tester so i dont think thats the issue.

hopefully a brand new relay will fix the problem. ill be sure to report back...
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: Martin on November 21, 2016, 04:06:02 PM: Did you clean up the point surfaces with a points file or fine emery paper.
Regards Martin.
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: umichchris on November 21, 2016, 06:22:58 PM: Quote from: Martin on November 21, 2016, 04:06:02 PM
Did you clean up the point surfaces with a points file or fine emery paper.
Regards Martin.

hmmm, i checked all the external connections and made sure they were clean and secure, but i did not open up the relay housing itself. with a new one on its way now, i suppose it wont hurt to (gently) crack it open now anyway...
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: Martin on November 21, 2016, 06:35:54 PM: Some can be cleaned up, some can't but you have nothing to loose.
Regards Martin. :2thumbup:
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: Martin on November 21, 2016, 07:00:39 PM: You might want to look at this. battery isolator (http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,8995.0.html)
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: umichchris on November 27, 2016, 10:19:38 PM: Ok so i checked the following:

- battery is new, voltage reads at 12.9v
- i installed a brand new starter relay (waste of $70)
- i double checked all the connections to the battery and starter and starter relay (all clean and tight)
- i installed an in-line kill switch in the event the start issue persisted (it did unfortunately, so now i have a quick & easy way to shut off power and finally stop the starter)

i have no idea what the issue is now. i cant ride the bike, no idea what to replace or fix next. the starter obviously works well, the relay is brand new, the battery is new...anyone have any ideas?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7YHp0rGhcQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7YHp0rGhcQ)

pics of the new in-line kill switch i installed:
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: kennybobby on November 27, 2016, 10:29:44 PM: Welded contacts shorting inside the ignition switch, the run/kill switch, and/or the start button.

i use the run/kill switch to apply or cut power after the ignition is turned on, to limit high-current interruptions within the ignition switch, which can cause arcing, pitting, welding, etc of the electrical contacts. It's easier and cheaper to change a kill switch or relay than an ignition switch.
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: Martin on November 27, 2016, 10:33:25 PM: Starter buttons have been known to stick pull it apart and clean, but be careful not to loose any bits.
Regards Martin.
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: Martin on November 28, 2016, 12:47:57 PM: I hope you remove the key from your switch when you leave the bike. Some joker could be tempted to make off with it leaving you with a dead bike. :yow
Regards Martin
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: Motorhobo on November 28, 2016, 05:33:02 PM: I assume you checked not just the voltage but also the load i.e. cold cranking amps on the battery. I had a battery once that test fine on voltage but showed no CCA on the load test, and I had continuous electrical weirdness until I got a new battery.

Anyway -- I had a start button fail due to corrosion once on a 95 that had spent too much time outside in the Pacific Northwest rain and damp. I didn't have your symptoms, though -- the bike just completely lost power. I ended up taking the right grip controls apart and jumping past the starter. Got it running but destroyed the switch and controls. Anyway, the point is that the starter button is one of the junctions between power and starter, and there is a history of this phenomenon -- see here:

http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,5147.msg31679.html#msg31679

Last time you had the starter out, did you check the brushes? Is it possible this behavior result if the brushes were worn? If you're riding a 92, you'd probably want to replace those brushes anyway, so that might be a good place to go from here.

I remember something about the headlight grounding through the starter -- I have no idea whether that's relevant but unless someone comes up with an answer, everything's relevant.

http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,8906.msg69765.html#msg69765

Keep us posted ---
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: umichchris on November 28, 2016, 05:36:14 PM: Quote from: Martin on November 28, 2016, 12:47:57 PM
I hope you remove the key from your switch when you leave the bike. Some joker could be tempted to make off with it leaving you with a dead bike. :yow
Regards Martin

She's locked up in my garage along with my M5 that i rarely drive, im guessing they'd steal the car first haha but definitely a good point on your end :2thumbup:
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: umichchris on November 30, 2016, 04:16:13 PM: just had an idea, what if i ran a kill-switch to the starter? i know there's a positive & negative lead right on the exterior of the starter...what if i put an in-line kill switch on the negative terminal much like the one i installed for the battery isolation switch?

seemingly, the starter keeps running and the lights wont work because when the starter is activated the lighting functions are killed/shut off during that time (im guessing to provide the most amps possible to the starter to do its thing). if the starter isnt running or engaged, in theory the lights should then work properly again.

id have to flick another switch on/off when starting the bike, but it might just solve my problem. anyone have any thoughts to share on going that route?

thanks!
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: Laitch on November 30, 2016, 04:28:19 PM: Quote from: umichchris on November 30, 2016, 04:16:13 PM
anyone have any thoughts to share on going that route?
Perhaps your new relay is defective. Open the relay box and give the relay a couple of knocks with a screwdriver handle. You wouldn't be the first to have installed a defective part to replace a failing part. It all comes down to quality control, or karma.

You should sort out this problem and not try to bypass it until you understand what is inducing it.
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: kioolt on November 30, 2016, 06:44:28 PM: Quote from: umichchris on November 30, 2016, 04:16:13 PM
just had an idea, what if i ran a kill-switch to the starter? i know there's a positive & negative lead right on the exterior of the starter...what if i put an in-line kill switch on the negative terminal much like the one i installed for the battery isolation switch?

seemingly, the starter keeps running and the lights wont work because when the starter is activated the lighting functions are killed/shut off during that time (im guessing to provide the most amps possible to the starter to do its thing). if the starter isnt running or engaged, in theory the lights should then work properly again.

id have to flick another switch on/off when starting the bike, but it might just solve my problem. anyone have any thoughts to share on going that route?

thanks!

The starter does not have a positive and negative wire on it. It only has a positive wire on it. If you put the kill switch in it the headlight will go out. You should find your REAL problem and fix it.
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: jakgieger on November 30, 2016, 11:13:50 PM: Reading this thread makes me think a grounding irregularity (assuming that the starter was checked thoroughly)... I and others have done this http://www.euromotoelectrics.com/Battery-Cable-Kit-BMW-K-BCK-5771317-p/bck-5771317.htm (http://www.euromotoelectrics.com/Battery-Cable-Kit-BMW-K-BCK-5771317-p/bck-5771317.htm)

The ground points under the tank AND on the tranny should be checked as well. This means separating all the terminals there, cleaning each surface, and tightening to spec w/a little copper antiseize.

I had a honda 4 wheeler that had this problem. I finally bought an oversized (higher amp rating) starter relay...end of problem!
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on December 01, 2016, 03:14:41 AM: Something I haven't seen answered in this thread so far:

Is the starter relay being energized to make the starter run on? Is there 12V on the starter relay coil when the starter motor is running on?

You may want to install a 12V LED from the hot terminal of the starter relay coil that will light when the coil is being energized. I would guess that the LED should only light when the start button is depressed.

Your problem may be somewhere upstream of the starter relay coil, not in the contacts.
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: rbm on December 01, 2016, 05:45:19 AM: I agree with Gryphon's analysis. I'm questioning whether you have a defective ICU and not a defective relay. Attaching a voltmeter to the Brown/Red wire on the starter relay coil will show whether power is cut to the relay once the engine fires up. If not, then the ICU is suspect.

Correct behaviour should be that you see a potential at this point in the circuit when the start-enable voltage is present (pull in the clutch or have it in neutral) and you press the start button. It should remain present until the engine catches, at which point, the voltage should go away. If it doesn't go away, then that indicates a failure of the ground-disabling circuit inside the ICU.
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: umichchris on December 05, 2016, 03:16:08 PM: Update:

after installing the new starter relay, the issue still persisted. on the off chance the relay came in the mail defective or stuck - i gave the relay a sharp rap on the upper left corner, reassembled things and gave the bike a start.....no more issues the past few days.

im still watching things closely, perhaps it was just a bad relay the entire time. ill follow-up if the issue resurfaces and there's a different fix needed. wish me luck!

again, thank you all for the information and help!!!
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: Laitch on December 05, 2016, 03:39:43 PM: Quote from: umichchris on December 05, 2016, 03:16:08 PM
im still watching things closely, perhaps it was just a bad relay the entire time.
It could be the relay's plug in the box. You could clean that and the original relay's terminals and try it the original again. Light corrosion could have been interfering. Normally I wouldn't recommend messing with something that works but it's slow around here right now and your checking this would help to keep my heart rate up. :giggles

Regardless, it's always good to have a spare starter relay. Thanks for the update.
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: umichchris on December 12, 2016, 12:38:52 PM: so, after a couple of days of worry-free operation the issue returned last Wednesday. I tapped the (brand new) starter relay and then the bike ran fine for three days until the issue returned on Saturday. Tapped the relay again and it ran fine for two more days until this morning while getting gas on the way to work and the issue returned again...this time i parked the bike for good in my garage until i can fully fix this thing.

im almost out of ideas and damn near ready to get rid of the bike. electrical issues are the worst, esp when you cant find the source. its like hunting an enemy you cant see/find.

here are my latest thoughts:
- battery low voltage/amps: the battery is brand new (purchase 2/16) and is/has been continually on a battery tender. i think the previous owner must have been battling these same issues but didnt tell me before i bought the bike...my reasoning is the battery is new and within all the paperwork her gave me i see receipts for two new starter relays. maybe the alternator (my car knowledge coming into play here) isnt charging the battery while the bike is running and the headlight/electrical system is draining all the amps during riding. when i test the battery the volts are strong but ill take the batter to the store and have them run a test for me...

- bad starter: maybe for some reason the starter wants to keep going as a result of it going bad? i checked the contacts and they are clean and tight

- my bike is a demon set forth on this soil to drive me mad: mayb less likely, but at this point a serious possibility.

all i want is a reliable bike to commute to work...im already cruising craigslist for another option haha

thanks in advance for your thoughts & suggestions!
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: Laitch on December 12, 2016, 12:44:36 PM: Quote from: umichchris on December 12, 2016, 12:38:52 PM
thanks in advance for your thoughts & suggestions!
Why don't you determine if the problem is related to the relay's connector in the box because tapping on the relay starts the bike?
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: umichchris on December 12, 2016, 01:59:43 PM: honestly, i think im just gna drop it off with a mechanic as soon as i can find a solid reputable independent bmw shop in LA i can trust it with...
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on December 12, 2016, 02:03:47 PM: +1 on the Vermont mountain man's suggestion. You may very likely have a bad connection in the relay socket.

Another thing that has been on my mind since I started following this thread is what is the voltage at the start relay's COIL connection when the start button is pushed? I there a loose connection somewhere between the button and the coil that it activates? This goes along with the possible socket issue and is where you should concentrate your search.
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on December 12, 2016, 02:23:21 PM: I just looked at the wiring diagram for your bike. The start relay circuit is one of the simplest on the entire bike.

There is a black and yellow wire that runs from the start button to the coil of the start relay.

The circuit has only three connection points:

The first is where the wire is connected to the button contact on the handlebar switch.

Next is the multi-pin connector for the right hand combination switch. This connector is under the tank.

The last is where the wire connects to the terminal in the relay socket in the electrical box.

If you want to nit pick, you can include the connection between the relay socket and the terminal on the bottom of the relay.

Check the resistance of these connections. Any high resistance in this circuit will prevent the energizing of the start relay. Wiggle them around to check for looseness.
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: Elipten on December 12, 2016, 06:37:30 PM: And clean all with deoxit cleaner.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: jjconeill on February 08, 2017, 01:54:36 PM: I am having problems with my ignition relating to the starter relay. first I turn the key and no lights, than I give a little fist beat on the gas tank and the lights come on than power starter but lights go off tap the tank again and lights come on starter turns. took off gas tank turn key no lights tap on relay lights go on. replaced relay with new, and does the same thing. thinking I have a loose wire from ignition switch, will check that molex connector ion Saturday when the weather warms her in Chicago area. Any suggestions would be great. Love my K75 but too many problems after one year owning. 1987 paid 1200 put 2000 into it with a lot of help from a not so smart dealer trying to fixing it. new sending unit, new fuel pump, than oh it was a relay. Thanks again.
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: umichchris on February 08, 2017, 02:03:23 PM: Quote from: umichchris on December 12, 2016, 01:59:43 PM
honestly, i think im just gna drop it off with a mechanic as soon as i can find a solid reputable independent bmw shop in LA i can trust it with...

never got this figured out. parked in the back of the garage. gave up on it lol

anyone in the LA area want to pick up a K100 very reasonably priced?
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on February 08, 2017, 03:45:11 PM: Under the tank on the top frame tube there is a cluster of Brown wires connected to the frame. On the side of the engine case above the shifter is another screw with some brown and black wires.

Have you cleaned them so they are nice and shiny as well as the spots under them on the frame and engine? Bad grounds can create all sorts of strange problems.
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on February 08, 2017, 03:47:10 PM: How old is your battery? Is it fully charged?
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: jjconeill on February 18, 2017, 06:10:35 PM: So fixed my k75 today, 65f Chicago loving this. as I was directed to check my ground wires. first under the tank five ground wires cleaned and tried to tighten the bolt, but it had striped threads ooh just thought might not be the bolt but the threads on the frame, so new bike or sheet metal screw, well anyway after cleaning those connections no better no ignition lights, than as directed pulled the battery ground off the frame, engine. cleaned with my round metal brush that connects to my drill, reconnected the wire, time out, why was there a small wire connector on the battery ground with no wire connected to it? well a lot of duct tape as someone was messing with the wiring, I have some evidence that toe engine was replaced, so before I replaced the gas tank I gave the engine a turn and wow there was a lot more power to everything, thinking the fuel pump was not receiving enough power either. so put the gas tank back on started the bike, took a few tries, but it started and ran pretty good especially when it warmed up and I drove around the neighborhood for a while, taking care as 65f in Chicago area has the kids outdoors. Learned my lesson to clean the thirty year old ground wires every so often. Thanks again for the help and I hope this helps others, relays, fuel pumps just about everything needs a good power source. yes and the battery is new and had 12 plus volts. I again love my 1987 k75
Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: Elipten on February 18, 2017, 07:44:02 PM: Congrats

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Title: Re: Starter relay
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on February 18, 2017, 10:38:04 PM: :clap: