Starter relay

[Andrew2]

  Hi guys,
   Let me start by saying I've spent hours going through a lot of threads about this topic on this site and others last yesterday before starting this thread.
  I took delivery of my new to me K100rs ( '87 ) on it's first ride yesterday and all was well until I went to turn it off and the starter motor kept turning over. I had stopped and started the bike a few times already yesterday and the previous day with no problems but this time it kept turning over. I disconnected the ground lead to the gearbox and took it to a mates place and we changed the starter relay over with his spare and it ran ok going home ( I'll find out today if it does it again ). I opened up the relay expecting to find the contacts welded together but they weren't. There was a slight burnt smell but they seemed ok so I'll clean them up and keep them as spare. Can the relay stick closed and not weld together?. My bike has only done 33,000 kms in 30 years and I think it has sat around for a while so I'm expecting things to break through lack of use. Could that possibly be one reason it happened?.
  So now that my head is spinning from reading so much about the starter relay problem I can't seem to find an ongoing fix for it except making sure I have a battery that is cranking at optimum and cleaning all my grounds. Have I missed something or it that about it?. As I mentioned the bike has had little use but looks in good condition.
  I'll get a photo of the inside of the starter relay up later today. Also, are there any after market alternatives available yet ( read cheaper )


  Cheers
  Andrew
 

[PaulP]

I presume you've tried swearing at it in an attempt to terrify it into submission?

Aside from that, maybe a sticky starter button, with some crud lodged in there? Perhaps a blast of Compressed Air in about it.

Simplistic I know, but it's the daft things that catch me out usually.

[Andrew2]

I presume you've tried swearing at it in an attempt to terrify it into submission?

Aside from that, maybe a sticky starter button, with some crud lodged in there? Perhaps a blast of Compressed Air in about it.

Simplistic I know, but it's the daft things that catch me out usually.

  Swearing and threats were duelly thrown in it's general direction and even when I went for my largest hammer things didn't improve :hehehe .

Possibly something else besides the starter relay but replacing it did fix the problem.

  Cheers
  Andrew

[kioolt]

A sticking starter button won't cause the starter to keep running with the key off or for that matter when the engine starts.  When the engine starts the Motronic unit cuts off the starter relay even if the starter button is pushed.


The starter relay can easily be unstuck just by tapping on it.  I have had mine stick just a couple of times since I bought my 91 K100LT in 91.  I have never removed it to clean it or sand the contacts.  I have just tapped it to unstick it.  Now that my LT is a secondary bike and might not be ridden for several months I always make sure the battery is charged before I try to start it.  This has worked for me since 1991.  YMMV

[Andrew2]

A sticking starter button won't cause the starter to keep running with the key off or for that matter when the engine starts.  When the engine starts the Motronic unit cuts off the starter relay even if the starter button is pushed.


The starter relay can easily be unstuck just by tapping on it.  I have had mine stick just a couple of times since I bought my 91 K100LT in 91.  I have never removed it to clean it or sand the contacts.  I have just tapped it to unstick it.  Now that my LT is a secondary bike and might not be ridden for several months I always make sure the battery is charged before I try to start it.  This has worked for me since 1991.  YMMV

  That's true, it won't keep starting with the ignition off.
  I've read people saying they just tap it. I'm assuming you mean lift seat, remove/lift tank,remove cover and then give the relay a light rap with say a screw driver handle etc. I'm guessing you would be doing this on the side of the road if you were out on a ride when it happens?.


  Cheers
  Andrew

[Laitch]

I've read people saying they just tap it. I'm assuming you mean lift seat, remove/lift tank,remove cover and then give the relay a light rap with say a screw driver handle etc. I'm guessing you would be doing this on the side of the road if you were out on a ride when it happens?.

You win the coconut!

[rbm]

...  Also, are there any after market alternatives available yet ( read cheaper )


  Cheers
  Andrew
 

This is cheaper but not dirt cheap like you'd find on Alibaba.  But then again, it is rated correctly for its electrical characteristics compared to the Alibaba lies.   http://www.texasindustrialelectric.com/relays_0332002150.asp

[Martin]

After mine stuck a couple of times I fitted an isolator switch. It can also be used as a security switch by removing the key. It is also handy when you need to isolate the battery when doing electrical work. See http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,8995.msg70926.html#msg70926
Regards Martin.

[Andrew2]

You win the coconut!

  I'd prefer a beer thanks :2thumbup:

[Andrew2]

After mine stuck a couple of times I fitted an isolator switch. It can also be used as a security switch by removing the key. It is also handy when you need to isolate the battery when doing electrical work. See http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,8995.msg70926.html#msg70926
Regards Martin.

  I spotted you saying that on one of the many threads I read last night Martin. It looks like a good idea mate. I'll see if I can find a smaller unit.


  Cheers
  Andrew

[Andrew2]

This is cheaper but not dirt cheap like you'd find on Alibaba.  But then again, it is rated correctly for its electrical characteristics compared to the Alibaba lies.   http://www.texasindustrialelectric.com/relays_0332002150.asp

  Thanks Robert, I'll check it out :2thumbup:

[Andrew2]

 I've been out most of the day and the bike ran faultlessly ( now I've jinxed myself  :yow ). Let's see how it runs over the next couple of weeks.