Howdy guys,
My '83 is gonna kill me. The electric starter only works intermittently although kicking it over works OK. I replaced the starter switch on the bars, the relay clicks when the button is pushed, the battery is good, the starter motor was checked and it's good, the doesn't appear to be a short as I jiggled all the wires, the solenoid is fairly new although it doesn't clunk when the starter button is pushed. But like I said about 1/2 the time everything works fine but the other half all I get is a clicking relay. I'm getting power to the solenoid so I'm really confused and could use some help. Thanks.

 

jump the solenoid for a day and see if it starts every time or its still the same problem - then get back to us small post to big post -- pull the cover back -- this by-passes most everything --

 

I had the same problem recently went through everthing still the same would start on the starter 5 out of 10 attempts ! it turned out to be the relay at fault the old one as yours does clicked evertime nonetheless it was the problem ! try the easy **** first my friend ! all the best

 

Check you cable grounds and the relay , two biggest culprits before the solenoid .

 

Well you learn something new everyday. I started checking all the power again and then tried jumping the relay. Success! So I popped down to the local auto supply place, matched up the relay, spent $10 and I'm back in business. Never would have guessed it was the relay since it was clicking but there you are. Thanks guys.

 

Glad your sorted mate ! feels good when its something simple dont it ! for some reason with my shovel when its gone wrong which is a fairly regular thing ! i have always assumed the worst but always been something easy to sort , and more importantly its been with the help of someone on here !
All hail the internet !!!