zx6r starting help

[skybronco]

Hello all, wondering if i could get some help with a starting problem on my 98 zx6r. Basically I went to go start it after a pretty long period of time and instead of the starter turning over, you can hear a solenoid clanking back and forth really fast. Had a friend come out and look at it with me and we figured out where it was coming from. Got a brand new battery too just in case that was an issue and replaced that solenoid switch assembly(no idea what its called but it is attached to the positive lead off the battery) and it is still clicking really fast instead of turning the engine over. Does this sound like its a bad starter? I know pretty much nothing about anything and learning as I trouble shoot this problem. The starter does every once in a while start to turn over for a few tries but then it goes back to that solenoid clicking again. Thanks all for any help or input you can give me, i appreciate it!

[LoudFastUgly]

The solenoid should pull in once and stay pulled in until the 'start' button is released.

If your feeling nervy, you can jumper the solenoid across the two heavy cables (make sure bike is in neutral! - Battery positive and starter cable mount to solenoid) to see if the starter turns.

You will observe a large spark as you jumper out the terminals! This is normal. Use an old screwdriver and hold the insulated end. If you are not certain that there are no sources of fuel or vapour around you, or are intimidated - DO NOT PROCEDE with this test! - The result should be immediate, starter should turn whether key is on or not. Do not do this for a prolonged period (1-2 seconds) if the starter does not turn, you have a fault in your starter cabling, grounds or your starter. If it does turn the engine over strongly and is repeatable (re do test to ensure result), you have a control wiring issue (key switch, clutch / neutral switch, starter relay). I already am thinking your problem is in the control circuit (keyswitch, clutch / neutral switch, starter relay).

[skybronco]

The starter relay is the thing that i replaced though isnt it? Well, thats what someone said when i was buying the knew one so I thought that it may be. Anyway, After trying to start it for a while i ran the battery down pretty good so i charged it back up again. This time the bike fired up immediately. Turned it off, let it sit for a minute, started again and another immediate start. Rode it just down the road to the gas station cause new fuel always seems to be good after a long sit, and again after i fueled immediate start. So i guess i will see again tomorrow if it is still being nice to me, but unsure if i still have a problem or not.
"The solenoid should pull in once and stay pulled in until the 'start' button is released." Your comment makes me think i still do though. What would i need to replace in what you suggest?

[LoudFastUgly]

My concern was that you had a voltage drop on the control circuit - you did - a dead battery.

Place the battery on a maintenance charge (2 Amp) over night and your problems should be behind you.

[skybronco]

It was a brand new battery? Did i get a lemon that wasnt fully charged somehow?

[LoudFastUgly]

All flooded lead acid batteries are shipped 'dry' to the distributors. They are filled with electrolyte, then shipped to the dealers. The Dealer is responsible to charge the battery, not the distributor. Charging = $. Dealers don't like to lose $. Generally speaking, any battery should be maintenance charged before installation. As in your case, it didn't happen.

Don't sweat it, you will charge it and it will be fine.

[skybronco]

Heh, so basically i paid 120 bucks for a part i didnt need because they didnt charge the battery. Nice. Thanks for your help man, really appreciate it

[LoudFastUgly]

10 year old bike, replacing the starter solenoid is never a bad idea.