Deep throaty exhaust

DEcosse said:

Can you clarify please:
Are you flicking to the main beam WHILE you have starter button pressed?
I suspect not, as there is no current flowing through headlight circuit with starter relay energized
So you release the button, flick to high beam and then press start again and it works?
It sounds purely coincidental - but if anything may indicate the key-switch as the problem

Well if blue light goes out* while the starter button is pressed (but starter itself is not actually operating) that is what should happen (as far as light goes) and of course should also come back on when starter button is released; that says that the starter relay is switching and the problem most likely would be in the solenoid (it could be the relay, but more likely the solenoid)

* The starter relay diverts current via a changeover relay from the headlights to the starter solenoid - it cannot supply both at the same. So if the headlight indicator goes out, it confirms the relay has switched over - now it could be the N/O pole of the relay that has bad contact, but it is more typically the solenoid that is not throwing. The relay switches about 10A to either the headlights OR the Solenoid so it's a significant current and can pit the contacts when switching on/off. It's at least a fairly inexpensive and simple part to swap to validate one way or the other.

That sounds like a key-switch issue which unfortunately is very common with the classics.

p.s. also check the smaller gauge ground pigtail off the main battery negative cable - it goes to a single-way connector that often burns.

Click to expand...

cootertwo said:

??????

Click to expand...

Gregger said:

That is not the starter solenoid. It is the armature and looks fine. The solenoid is what the heavy gauge wire is attached to above the body that holds that armature. Here it is with the armature body removed.




Next 2 pics are of the solenoid contacts and plunger. Check for heavy pitting/wear. They can be replaced and or cleaned up.

Click to expand...

cootertwo said:

Sorry, but you are way in, over your head on this project. Put away the hammer, and prying devices. You may have already messed something up, beyond repair. A new starter and relay, would be much easier at this point. Someone will chime in with the part numbers for a over the counter replacement, that is even better than the stock unit, and much cheaper than one from Triumph. Sometimes learning can be painful, but then again, sometimes it's the only way "to" learn. Ask me how I know...... ha!

Click to expand...