[james28]

i have a 1987 kawasaki js550 and i thought i had a bad starter relay but i took out the starter and ground it to the exuast or head and it works just fine ,,but when i bolt the starter back in it just clicks??? please somebody help,,battery is brand new

 

[CrAiGzEE]

sounds to me that its not getting a strong enough earth, clean both terminal and contact , also could be a sticky solenoid

 

[james28]

everything is clean and tight even when the starter is out i barley have to ground it to something and it works,,i ran a wire from the starter to the battery and still nothing ,,its got me way confused?

 

[bigMSUfan]

are you able to turn the shaft? those engine cranks can get real fouled up on the lower end if they get swamped. especially if there is sand involved. I had to rebuild the crank on my 89 for that very reason. Seals and springs mostly, but time consuming.