I posted this on the general forums, but figured this is a better place for tech issues.
Alright, let me preface this by saying that my bike is a hodge-podge of parts and my plan is to restore it eventually, but right now all I want to do is have it run consistently.
My motorcycle is a 1983 Honda Nighthawk CB550SC. This is my first bike and I am learning the trade as I go. My problem (current) with it is that it does not like to start when warm. It starts fairly consistently when the bike is cool (and its over 30 degrees out) and runs well enough for now, but if I stop somewhere, say to get gas, and try to start it up again after a few minutes then it tries to start, turns over a few times, and drains the battery really fast.
This has led to some awkward times where I need to find someone to jump it.
On that note, even when this problem does occur, jumping it is no problem and is generally what I have to do to start it. Also, if I let it cool down for a while, before draining the battery trying to start it, it will again start with no problem.
I originally had the problem even when the bike was cool and it ended up being a bad starter motor which was drawing too much resistance and causing the battery to drain quickly. The starter motor was replaced and it now starts great when cold, but the problem persists when warm. I have had the battery tested, and it does not seem to be the issue. One more thing to note is that the starter solenoid is from a ford car which requires an inline fuse, so that will probably be my first replacement.
Lets recap.
- Starts fine cold.
- Starts poorly/drains battery fast when warm.
- Battery tested fine.
- Starter motor was replaced.
- Solenoid probably needs replaced.
Does anyone have some ideas for me to try before going on a spending spree? Keep in mind that I'm still pretty new to the repairing.
Thank you anyone for your help!
