starting issue//starter solenoid

Posted by dyelawn on Jul 29, 2012; 7:40pm
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/starting-issue-starter-solenoid-tp4026085.html

My 1982 CB750C usually starts up no problem if it's in constant use, but sometimes has problems after sitting for a few days or more.  I came back from a camping trip the other day (bike sat for 4 days) and it had trouble starting.  This time though (hasn't happened before), I didn't hear the usual whining sound from the starter, like it was trying to turn the engine over, I just got a clicking sound from the starter solenoid.  I tried the starter button a few more times and then the whole bike went dead.  No lights, no power, no nothing.  

Suspecting a connection issue, I've been checking wires and fuses over the last day.  The main 30A fuse is good and in tact.  The battery is fully charged and is holding 12.4 V.  After taking out the fuse, readjusting the battery leads (in reality, I really didn't do anything, just unscrewed stuff and screwed it back in), I got power to the bike again (dash and head lights).  Still heard that clicking sound at the starter solenoid, though, and the starter engine wouldn't engage.  

I checked the thick red wire that goes from the +battery terminal to the starter solenoid by unscrewing it from the SS and running a meter between the end of that red wire that usually screws into the SS and a ground on the bike.  I got 12.4 V running through that red wire.  Does this mean it's good and not shorted or otherwise compromised?

Much to my surprise, I rescrewed everything and tried starting the bike one more time - fired right up this time.  At this point I'm a happy camper but still suspect something is up.  Could all this really be caused by a bad connection between the SS and the battery?  

Some other relevant background info:  I've been having starting/electrical/charging issues with this bike for a little while now.  One time it died on me while I was riding and wouldn't start, then started randomly about 3 days later.  Haven't had major problems since then, but as I mentioned before, usually if it sits for more than 3 or 4 days it has a really hard time starting - usually have to push start several times before the starter works consistently.  I suspect I have larger issues here.  Been working through a tutorial for diagnosing charging system issues but haven't found anything wrong yet.  Could all these problems really just be the result of a few bad connections?

First post.  Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.