Starter Solenoid - Double check before buying a new one

[scrisp]

I charged my battery, installed a used OEM starter, plugged in the lanyard, and all I get is the dreaded click/thump sound from the solenoid.

I checked the starter switch, it's all fine.

Then I checked the solenoid with a voltmeter. I'm getting 14.4 volts on one terminal, then I checked the second terminal and got nothing, as I'm guessing that is should be. but when I hit the starter switch, I still get no voltage on the second terminal (the one going to the starter from the solenoid).

Before buying a new solenoid, I just want to make sure that I've done the full possibility of tests. Is there anything else that I should be testing?

I also jumpered the solenoid with a screwdriver and it cranks right over. The solenoid was new when I parked it 4 years ago in the garage, but it was an aftermarket one that I got from EBay or Amazon, so maybe the quality is suspect.

 

[GGuillot]

Before buying a new solenoid, I just want to make sure that I've done the full possibility of tests. Is there anything else that I should be testing?

If you've got 12 volts on the trigger terminal to it and the large poles aren't closing, it's bad. They can go out, especially if it ever got wet.

 

[scrisp]

If you've got 12 volts on the trigger terminal to it and the large poles aren't closing, it's bad. They can go out, especially if it ever got wet.

I picked up an oem solenoid at the dealership and it worked like a charm.

Once the engine got gas and oil up to it, it fired right up. It's running a bit rough, but I didn't realize that I had a gallon or so of old gas in the tank. Plus, I was premixing the last time that I rode it 4 years ago. Lol I was right at the end of the break in of the new engine (rebuilt), so I was mixing oil in addition to the oil pump injecting oil.

I'll take it to the boat launch and let it sit on the trailer and get the old gas ran out of it. I added two gallons of fresh gas.

Once that's cleared out, time for new plugs and a new fuel filter, then she should be good to go for a short ride to set how everything works.

 

[mikidymac]

It would be easier and safer just to siphon the old gas out and put in a full tank of fresh gas.