She died, had to push start.

[silveradocowboy]

Sounds like the same thing, it's mounted near the side of the battery and under the right side cover. Finding electrical gremlins is NOT one of my favorite things to do but when I get a chance to look at the schematic I'll see if I can help out.

[MagnaDaddy]

Here we go:
Battery good(new)
Good power through the starter solenoid.
No loose ground connections

Ignition switch doesn't seem to check out.  Using the schematic for testing the switch which is the same in the factory and Haynes manuals the continuity isn't correct with the switch in the on position but OK in the park position.

Anybody got some electrical experience on the 85 or 86  since it would seem that I have one of the red-headed step-child Magnas the differences between mine and all the other Magnas is becoming very apparent.  Seems like every stinking part has to be for the 86!  

There's a keylock/switch on eBay listed for a "HONDA V30 V45 V65 MAGNA 1982-85 IGNITION SWITCH W/KEY"  does anybody know if it'll fit my '86?

A 3rd gen is staring to look good.....

[Greg Cothern]

Ken try cleaning the switch contacts then retest..

[roboto65]

I hate to be the dealer of snakeoil hehehehehe but this stuff works wonders It is called Corrosion X and it does everything they claim and more I have had a my on off switch going and sprayed this in there and bingo no more problem it is good for all electrical connections. Here is the Website   http://www.corrosionx.com/ .
I have the Rejex too which is great stuff to have used it on my windsheild and no more love bug problems a little water and soft rag and bam GONE just washed my bike last night and they came right off no scrubbing involved I am convinced can ya tell. OH and one more thing it is made here in TEXAS!!! But it won't fix a fuseable link heheheheheh

[silveradocowboy]

There's a keylock/switch on eBay listed for a "HONDA V30 V45 V65 MAGNA 1982-85 IGNITION SWITCH W/KEY"  does anybody know if it'll fit my '86?

The 85-86 are the same, part # is: 35100-MK3-671.

Try cleaning the contacts on your starter switch. If that doesn't work check out your starter, you may need to rebuild it.

[MagnaDaddy]

Jeff,
I'm not real clear how the starter would be related to no lights, no nothin when I turn the key to on.

What all has to be working to allow juice to the front panel?

Seems like starter and spark related stuff would come into play after the dash lights up

[antman]

My 83 V65 Magna has a spot on the ignition switch that is in the ON position but there is no power to anything.  I just have to wiggle the key a bit and the contacts finally connect.  

Other idea is to look at the starter relay.  I know you said you have power through it but is that only when the switch is pressed?  Power to the headlight and other items is cut when the starter is engaged.  There may be a short in the wiring that is keeping the relay engaged?  Check it to make sure power is not flowing all the time.  I have had my relay stick, but it was obvious since the starter just kept cranking.

Give us a few more details on what you checked in the electrical and switches.  That may help eliminate items on the electrical diagram.

Good luck.

[silveradocowboy]

Jeff,
I'm not real clear how the starter would be related to no lights

Hmmmm me either    I posted before I thought, I had another problem in mind, easy now , For some reason I thought yours had the starting problem.....and I hadn't had enough coffee yet.

[MagnaDaddy]

Gentlemen,
Actually you were right on as far as the problem probably being the starter solenoid...  I was testing accross the cables running to the starter and the spare fuse which was in a special slot in the bottom of the rubber mount for the fool thing.

Here's what I found when I pulled it all out !!



I think I found the source of the problem

[Greg Cothern]

Ken I am not an expert when it comes to electical demon's, however I think, now keep in mind this is a total uneducated guess!  That sucker is toast!!!

[silveradocowboy]

I have some baling wire and some duck tape if'n you want to try and fix it. Seriously tho I'm glad you found the problem.

[MagnaDaddy]

Burnt toast for sure.....
Does anyone have any experience with this seller or the switch?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-STARTER-RELAY-HONDA-VF500-VF700-VF750-VF1100-MAGNA_W0QQitemZ120120643656QQihZ002QQcategoryZ35594QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


I am going to have to rebuild the connector, maybe I could use some duct tape.....

[silveradocowboy]

I don't have any experience with this seller as far as I know but the feedback seems to be ok.

[MagnaDaddy]

It's worth a shot for less than 1/2 price of one from the stealer

Good feedback and a money back guarantee to boot

[MagnaDaddy]

Got the starter solenoid.  Did a little Anglo-Saxon engineering with crimp on connectors and put together a "connector" for the wiring harness and she started right up.
One interesting thing is that the replacement solenoid has a 20AMP fuse in it as opposed to the 30Amp one on the old unit.   Since the old one seems to have self destructed with the 30 I'm thinking the 20 may well be a better option and actually blow if it gets overloaded instead of frying.