Ok guys I need some help. My 1983 Interstate is giving me fits. When I go to start her up I press the button, the headlight goes off as it is supposed too... there is a 3 second delay before the starter engages. I have replaced the battery, starter brushes, and the starter solenoid. I have even switched starters from my 1980 GL1100I and still have the same problem with the 1983 but not the 1980. Anyone got a clue or have you had this problem.

By j. raymond on Friday, October 26, 2001 - 01:25 am:

Ck the condition of all the cables, including the
BATT gnd cable. Each cable's term ends should be
free of corrosion; also examine the crimp where
cable & term. connect. Again, they should be free
of corrosion and/or damage.

Once you've done this; ck for +12 at the cable
connection at the starter itself. This voltage
should be pressent as soon as the solenoid makes
contact. Next, crank the bike with the plugs
removed. (No compression) If the bike cranks
with little or no delay, The problem is in the
starter, drive chain or clutch. This assumes
good cables & +12. Since you have switched
starters, it sounds as if something is hanging
up/sticking on thr starter drive chain or clutch.

J.R. '83 GLI (ORG. OWNER)

/jr

By Kerry Sabella on Friday, October 26, 2001 - 06:05 am:

Could be a corroded starter button switch. If you can bypass the switch and effectively hot-wire the bike, you can determine if this is your problem.

Kerry
yellow 76

By Joe in Ga on Friday, October 26, 2001 - 09:17 am:

Clean the switches in the handlebar switch-boxes (BOTH of 'em).

Wrap rags around the base of the switch box, then lay rags over the tank and surrunding areas, spray contact cleaner (avail at Rad Shack) all in the boxes.

You'll be surprised at the crud you'll wash out of there.

joe in ga

By Michael Willey on Monday, October 29, 2001 - 12:06 am:

Starter switch would first on my list of suspects, but then I would look at the starter solenoid.
Take a 12 volt test light and hook one side to ground and the other to where the wires from the started button attach at the solenoid. If you have the three second or so delay, then it is definately from the switch down. Might even be a faulty connection in the harness. If the light goes on right away, then it is the solenoid.
Hope that this helps:
"Doc"

By Phillip Brandt on Saturday, November 03, 2001 - 12:06 am:

I just had the same thing happen to me,(83 GL1100) battery was low (too many very short, slow drives). Charged the battery and everything is back to normal. Headlight was bright, but not enough juice to do it right. Phil Brandt