Ducati 600ss - Fuel Pump is On but it wont Start?

[Dan]

I recently charged the battery for my SS and today put it back in the bike, then turned the ignition, pressed START and nothing.

When I turn the ignition on the fuel pump bursts into life and continuously primes, and that's all I get. I've checked the starter solenoid and all the connections look good especially the small white one at the back - left side) and also checked the starter motor terminal (taken it apart and given it a scrub) and that's fine to. The Kill-Switch was turned off and the side-stand light is off as I've removed the Side-Stand Switch (although I reattached it for testing purposes).

.... so what else can I check to try and find the problem?

[-=JK=-]

Hi Dan,

I had very similar with my 916. Ignition on, pump primes, push button....nothing, no click from anywhere, nothing.

It was the starter solenoid. I have since read that they occasionally respond to a sharp tap with a wooden hammer handle or similar, as this may free it up.

It was just under £20 for the part if it is that.

Good luck with it. I'm sure better informed folks will be along to assist.

[barry]

Check to see if you are getting power to the thin lead on the solenoid when you press the start button. Should be battery voltage. Next, use a piece of wire and connect the small terminal on the solenoid to the thick lead on the solenoid that goes back up to the battery. Solenoid SHOULD work if it's serviceable....also briefly short out the two thick terminals [ with a screwdriver or similar]....this will put battery power to the starter motor---- if the ignition is on, it will start..I'm sure my 900ss has a fuse for the start circuit, does yours?

[michel couque]

had this problem too on 900ss,and it was the starter solenoid,it also needs to be positively clamped with plastic ties to the frame,and then it will be serviceable for longer than normal.good luck.

[Imola Duke]

Dan
You really do need to get your Tester/meter.
Try looping out the sidestand connector, to eleminate fault switch.
but hazzard a guess it's the soleniod (starter)
Looking at the wiring diagram it will be something simple

[mcr998]

Ditto JKs post, except I'd managed to burn out one side of the Solenoid on the SPS.

[Dan]

Originally Posted by barry

I'm sure my 900ss has a fuse for the start circuit, does yours?

I'm not sure about the fuse barry but I've got the morning off work tomorrow so I'll try and get back down the shed with a voltmeter and do the tests you've suggested..... if at the end of it I still have no luck I'll give it a little wack....

Originally Posted by michel couque

had this problem too on 900ss,and it was the starter solenoid,it also needs to be positively clamped with plastic ties to the frame,and then it will be serviceable for longer than normal.good luck.

Mine was positively clamped until I removed the clamp for testing purposes.

[barry]

A man after my own heart...

[Dan]

Update:
Thanks to Barry and Imola Duke I figured out what was wrong about an hour ago. There was no power to the thin lead (white plug) on the solenoid when you press the start button.

After a little investigation the reason for this was quite simple (although many toys were thrown out of the pram before I figured it out). When I removed the Alarm system from the loom it was connected into the positive feed of the Starter Switch to Starter Coil wire, which is a lovely red/brown one in the main loom running down the left side of the front subframe. I re-connected this wire together, pressed START and the starter motor kicked into life.

The bike still hasn't started yet, but at least there's some progress.... but had to stop there because I've got to be at work in 50mins.

[Imola Duke]

Good News I said it would be something simple
Lock wiring next ....