Redcat vx80 Problems

[tdogmason]

I have an 06 Redcat VX 80, of course I can't find a service Manual or any help from Redcat, so I looked up this forum and I hope you fellas can help me out.

I am having a starting issue, When pressing the ignition button, the starter relay clicks or makes a solenoid open and close type sound, but the starter will not go. I have a broken kick start from a prior wreck so the electric start is the only option. I have replaced the Starter thinking that was the problem but it is not. All I get is a starter relay knocking noise but no juice to the Starter. Can someone please point me in the correct direction. If you need more detail please let me know.

Thanks Tdog

[LynnEdwards]

1) Short the two big solenoid studs together with a screwdriver. Don't mind a few sparks while doing this - starters draw a lot of current. Does the starter turn now?

2) Use a voltmeter to measure the DC voltage right on the starter motor input terminal to the starter case while trying to crank the starter motor. What do you measure?

3) What is the voltage on your quad battery while trying to crank the starter? Measure this voltage right on the battery +/- terminals.

4) Jump the quad battery to your car. Does the starter turn now when attempting to crank?

[tdogmason]

Thank you Lynn, I will try all of your suggestions this afternoon after work. I will post my reading with the volt meter and I will also try the jump.

[tdogmason]

Sure enough Lynn the Battery did not have juice to kick the starter. Thanks for the help on that one.

The main reason I pulled the Redcat out and began the fixing process, was because before it sat a long time I was having problems with the carb or this is what I think...

The bike would start and idle just fine, but then when you gave it gas it would tend to die out or even sound as if a choke was on or at least half way on. Now this little Redcat does not have a choke, and I did have the same issue before and found a cracked rubber stopper on one of the carb vents. I replaced this rupper cap and she ran good for a few months. This time the cap is in good shape but I was still having running issues like I had explained. I did take her apart the other night and cleaned the carb out and dipped in carb cleaner and blew out all jets and then put it back together, that is when I ran into the starter problem. So now that I have that issue sorted out, I will charge the new battery and give her a go. If I run into the same running issues I will post my findings and maybe you can help me out again.

Again, thanks for your help so far Tdog