I recently purchased an '87 K75S (First Litter, #150086) from an estate sale thru a BMW dealer. It isn't running and I was told that the technician thought the starter was dead, because of a huge amp draw when trying to start the engine. I thought, "no big deal, just get it home and change the starter.". Yeah, right. Being a cheapskate and not wanting to sink a lot of cash into the bike before knowing exactly what I had, I got a used starter on eBay. Got it installed and here's what happened:
I hooked up the battery, which had been on the charger and was ready to go. I turned on the key and had lights, nice and bright until I hit the starter button. Then, nothing. Absolutely nothing! Lights died and all was quiet, like I had turned off the key. The starter hadn't budged or made a sound. Then, I noticed smoke from the battery, starting slowly, out the vent hose, then a LOT, coming from what seemed everywhere. And the shop got all smelly, like battery acid. I knew this wasn't good, so I flung open the overhead door and turned on the floor fan to get things cleared out. I wasn't crazy about going near a violently smoking battery, but I knew I had to stop the smoking. I finally got the negative cable removed and quickly went outside for some fresh air. When I saw no more smoke emanating from the battery, I courageously went back inside.
So, now she sits, alone, quiet and lonely. I really want to get her started and hear her run, but I'm unsure how to resolve whatever issue(s) may be causing the problem(s).
Thoughts, anyone? All constructive advice and suggestions are welcome. Thanks, in advance. Oh, yeah: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I hooked up the battery, which had been on the charger and was ready to go. I turned on the key and had lights, nice and bright until I hit the starter button. Then, nothing. Absolutely nothing! Lights died and all was quiet, like I had turned off the key. The starter hadn't budged or made a sound. Then, I noticed smoke from the battery, starting slowly, out the vent hose, then a LOT, coming from what seemed everywhere. And the shop got all smelly, like battery acid. I knew this wasn't good, so I flung open the overhead door and turned on the floor fan to get things cleared out. I wasn't crazy about going near a violently smoking battery, but I knew I had to stop the smoking. I finally got the negative cable removed and quickly went outside for some fresh air. When I saw no more smoke emanating from the battery, I courageously went back inside.
So, now she sits, alone, quiet and lonely. I really want to get her started and hear her run, but I'm unsure how to resolve whatever issue(s) may be causing the problem(s).
Thoughts, anyone? All constructive advice and suggestions are welcome. Thanks, in advance. Oh, yeah: HAPPY NEW YEAR!