Post by livingbyfaith on Jul 10, 2021 21:13:37 GMT -5
First, any help is greatly appreciated.
I bought a 2006 Honda Ruckus that had several issues, but I did it as a project and have enjoyed it so far. Trust me, this Ruckus was a mess, but I like a challenge!
So, here is what happens! I turn the key on, push in the front brake lever, turn the kill switch off, hit the start button, and the motor sounds like it has a dead battery and wants to crank. If fact, it will actually crank about a half a turn. Usually, it will hit the compression stroke and it is like it does not have the strength to push past it. You can kick start the bike and it fires up with no issues. I can use the kick starter with my hand and it will start right up on the first or second kick. So, here is what I have done to the scooter...
Here is what I do not understand...
Here are few questions...
I really don't like just replacing parts just to replace parts. So again, any help would be greatly appreciated.
I bought a 2006 Honda Ruckus that had several issues, but I did it as a project and have enjoyed it so far. Trust me, this Ruckus was a mess, but I like a challenge!
So, here is what happens! I turn the key on, push in the front brake lever, turn the kill switch off, hit the start button, and the motor sounds like it has a dead battery and wants to crank. If fact, it will actually crank about a half a turn. Usually, it will hit the compression stroke and it is like it does not have the strength to push past it. You can kick start the bike and it fires up with no issues. I can use the kick starter with my hand and it will start right up on the first or second kick. So, here is what I have done to the scooter...
- Rebuilt the motor with new crankcases (muffler mount was broken), piston, rings, etc. It has great compression and again starts very easy using the kick starter.
- Purchased a new battery. I also keep it on a tender so it is at peak performance.
- I purchased a used wire harness and still have the old one, but it was cut in some areas. I have replaced relays from both wire harnesses as they both had all the relays. Both wire harnesses do the exact same thing,
- Valves were adjusted to spec and again it runs great using the kick starter, but will not turn over using the electric starter.
- Alternator was replaced as it was damaged when I bought the scooter. I really thought this was the issue, but upon replacement it did the exact same thing.
- Checked all ground wires for continuity and everything is good
Here is what I do not understand...
- I don't understand how the scooter reverses polarity and cranks the motor. I am used to a standard starting motor so the theory bewilders me on how it works.
- I have a factory manual and it says nothing for diagnosing the starter / alternator.
- The lights will not turn on immediately with the key
Here are few questions...
- Since the alternator / starter is not the issue, could it be the magneto? I am not used to these going faulty, but I guess it could happen. Again, the manual has replacement procedure, but not magneto diagnosis.
- Could this be an ECM problem? According to the wiring diagram every wire from the fuse box goes through the ECM. I am sure it could impact whether the starter works, but I would not think it would act like a weak starter.
I really don't like just replacing parts just to replace parts. So again, any help would be greatly appreciated.