Savatage wrote on 06/21/14 at 06:11:23:OK. I just got a chance to look at the bike again.
I pulled the spark plug which should let the starter spin easily and I still have the same problem. In addition to the decomp clicking I can also hear a click coming from the decomp solenoid. Now I'm wondering if I can bypass the decomp unit altogether and see if the starter will at least try to turn the motor over. If it does then I know my problem is with the decomp solenoid. Anyone know how to bypass it? Or how to make a manual decomp? Thanks
If the starter won't spin the engine with the plug out I doubt that your problem is in the decomp solenoid Taking the plug out does essentially the same thing as the decop - it lowers the compression so the motor spins easier.
Does the starter TRY to turn the motor when you hit the start button, or does it do nothing?
I just reread your first post. You said that the starter works OK if you jump across the terminals on the starter solenoid.
I think you still have a wiring problem, or possibly a defective decompression controller. The signal to the starter solenoid actually comes from there. If you have a Clymers manual there is a schematic, and a procedure for testing the decomp controller starting on page 244. I don't know how often these devices go bad though.
An '86 also has a part called a starter solenoid controller in the wiring diagram that isn't on the newer bikes. I can't figure out from the schematic what it does and I can't find any mention of it in the text. Hopefully someone with an older bike knows what it does/where it is.
I'd recheck all the plug together connectors under the tank and the connections on the starter solenoid before I went any further though.