Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > Supersports: SS / SuperSport / Supersport 950 > Starting problems revisited....again !!!

[Iconic944ss]

Started following Derek's advice from a previous thread regarding problems I've had with my 900ss for ages.

Today I've renewed both the earth cable from the Battery to the frame and from the back of the engine block into inside the RH footrest to fram mount.

Same symptoms as before.

When attempting to to turn the engine over, the instrument panel lights dim to almost nothing. The engine tries to turn over then the starter solenoid starts clicking away merrily for awhile until the engine again tries to turn again.

Starter soleniod was changed 3 years ago for a type recommended by an auto electrical supplier (its rated for a 1100 mini if memory serves right).
Starter motor rebuilt two years ago and cables to and from the solenoid changed at the same time.

The solenoid clicking sounds suspicious to me - would it start clicking under too high a torque from the starter motor?

I also tried shorting-out between the solenoid posts with a worse effect than I expected - engine cranking slowed to almost nothing.

I have a spare starter motor but I'm starting to suspect a multiple fault now of Solenoid, starter and possibly the dreaded sprag clutch still.

(ps - no fuel tank fitted at present ).

Comments PLEASE !!!

Cheers - Frank

[monstermob 998]

sound like a dodgy battery frank -- have you tried jumping from a car battery( i dont mean jumping as in leaping off a tall building) using jump leads from a car battery---- not enough current in bike battery to turn over engine perhaps-a tester may be showing loads of volts but there may not be enough amps

[Shazaam!]

Try starting it using jumper cables from your car battery and report back.

(Whoops, beat me to it!)

[Edited on 4-22-2006 by Shazaam!]

[Iconic944ss]

Well, this is an 18 Amp Hr battery that Derek again put me onto some time ago.

It came up with a green light on the Optimate after an overnight charge so I assumed it was ok but I admit I didnt take any readings on it - will do this and the 'jump starter' test tomorrow.

This and a set a siezed disc bolts has been enough for one day I'm afraid.

Thanx for the replies - Frank.

[Ian900SLV]

Don`t trust a green light on your optimate Frank, I got a green light when the electrolyte level in the cells was only about 2/3rd`s full, you still get voltage but no cranking capacity (amps)
Ian

[SSTU]

I think we are having the same problem Frank.
Stuart

[Iconic944ss]

Monstermob and Shazaam are both owed a long cold one!

A casual 5 mins in the garage turned into 5 hours but, the battery does indeed seem to be beyond its best. I hooked up my jumpstarter to the battery and she instantly spun like a good 'un - no hesitation, no solenoid clicking - I so hope she sorted, cant wait now to get a new battery - suggestions please, anyone know of anything higher than 18 AHr that will fit.

And its now full steam ahead rebuilding the petrol tank as well.

Thanks Guys !!!

Frank