Vision Posted June 12, 2021 Share Posted June 12, 2021 Hi Folks, So, recently bought a keeway superlight with the intention of passing my cbt (again) and seeing it through this time. bike seems good mechanically, started right off the button the first few times, then started showing some sort of electrical problem with the starter. Continues to start off the kick starter usually on the first kick. But the push button either starts, causes the solenoid to click, or does nothing. So far, I’ve replaced the battery, replaced the solenoid, took the starter motor off and connected it straight to the battery (spins perfectly)… today I discovered the button, when pushed very slowly/gradually has a spot where it seems to connect and fires, but it’s so sensitive that it’s easy to miss… ie if I push past it the solenoid will click and nothing else , but if I then let it out very slowly it will sometimes catch (and start) on the way back out. But this is all very hit or miss. Sometimes the starter will turn over vigorously, sometimes it’ll be sluggish. This was with both the old and new battery and I fully charged both. So, now thinking faulty switch, or a bad connection somewhere but figured I’d ask some advice before I end up replacing everything on the bike. Also I don’t want to pull the switch apart and end up unable to put it back together . Not sure what’s going on under the cover and I haven’t found a diagram that I’m able to read. Sorry for the long winded explanation, but if I’m missing something obvious or if anyone has any suggestions I’d love to hear your thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Fro Posted June 13, 2021 Share Posted June 13, 2021 Can you get to the wires to the switch? If you can (and have a multimeter) you can measure the resistance across the switch while you're actuating it. If there's high resistance during operation then it could use a clean up. It would also be worth checking the connections to and from the relay & starter while you're at it to narrow down the fault. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mississippi Bullfrog Posted June 13, 2021 Share Posted June 13, 2021 I think you've probably identified the problem, but taking those switches apart often ends up with a pile of bits that won't go back together again. Two thoughts - First, these switches are usually assembled dry but on a bike they are exposed to the elements so sometimes a bit of lubrication stops bits sticking. Try GT85 spray which has ptfe in it. Second, if that doesn't work you could try some switch cleaning spray. My experience of switches so far has been that the lube usually works more than the cleaning spray. If you do use switch cleaning spray don't get it near anything with a circuit board. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vision Posted June 13, 2021 Author Share Posted June 13, 2021 2 hours ago, Mr Fro said: It would also be worth checking the connections to and from the relay & starter Thank you. I’ll see if YouTube can help me out with that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vision Posted June 13, 2021 Author Share Posted June 13, 2021 Quote buttaking those switches apart often ends up with a pile of bits that won't go back together again. Exactly what I realised halfway through trying to remove it. Decided to leave it on. Does anyone know if it’ll come off in one piece or am I gonna be chasing springs ? Also what’s this part called ? It’s on the right bar and has the kill switch, starter button and right indicator. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vision Posted June 13, 2021 Author Share Posted June 13, 2021 Slight anticlimax on this, but not complaining. took the cover off the switch just enough to see in behind the button, sprayed some wd40 (maybe wrong choice but it’s what I had) in behind the button onto where the contacts are… put it back together and after about ten minutes of pressing it it’s now working every time. Dunno if I can expect it to play up again soon but at least I know for sure it was/is just the button. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mississippi Bullfrog Posted June 14, 2021 Share Posted June 14, 2021 17 hours ago, Vision said: Slight anticlimax on this, but not complaining. took the cover off the switch just enough to see in behind the button, sprayed some wd40 (maybe wrong choice but it’s what I had) in behind the button onto where the contacts are… put it back together and after about ten minutes of pressing it it’s now working every time. Dunno if I can expect it to play up again soon but at least I know for sure it was/is just the button. WD40 is a dispersant not a lubricant. It will fix it for a while, then it will get worse. So get some lubricant in there in the near future. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onesea Posted June 15, 2021 Share Posted June 15, 2021 On 13/06/2021 at 14:00, Vision said: took the cover off the switch just enough to see in behind the button, sprayed some wd40 (maybe wrong choice but it’s what I had) I fill my switch gear with WD-40, from time to time, as it seems to help. Regarding WD-40 its difficult, people will tell you there are better sprays for most jobs. They are more than likely right. However that would mean lots more sprays, and remembering and having the the correct one. However I find WD-40 works on most jobs.If the fault comes back to quick I will address the cause not the symptom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dynax Posted June 15, 2021 Share Posted June 15, 2021 30 minutes ago, onesea said: I fill my switch gear with WD-40, from time to time, as it seems to help. Regarding WD-40 its difficult, people will tell you there are better sprays for most jobs. They are more than likely right. However that would mean lots more sprays, and remembering and having the the correct one. However I find WD-40 works on most jobs.If the fault comes back to quick I will address the cause not the symptom. The problem with WD40 is it can attack certain plastics and make them brittle, on the model railway forums we advise newbies to avoid it like the plague as it causes damage to locos and rolling stock 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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