Hello,
I'm new to the fourm and have a question. I own a Honda 2004 Rubicon (1000miles). When I push the starter buttom, sometimes the starter will only turn over about a 1/4 of the way. The battery I just replaced and has plenty of power, but it seems like by the time the juice gets to the starter, there isn't enough to turn over the motor. I think I either have a solenoid problem, starter problem or decompressor?, does anyone know how I can test them to see where the problem is? It only does this the first start when it is cold out (20 deg F or lower). Thanks for your help.

 

Check the connections at the battery, and make sure they are clean and shiney where they touch, and the bolt that holds them is tight.
How did you gauge the new battery has plenty of power? Did you take it in to be load tested? Just because its new, doesnt mean its good. The only real test of a battery is a load test, where a load is applied, and the voltage stays above 10 volts.
If the connections are good, and the battery tests good, try to jump the starter directly, with jumpers, that will bypass the solinoid and wireing .

 

If you are sure the battery is good, and you can hear the solenoid click, it is good. WHile holding the starter button, grab the recoil handle and nudge the crank with it, kind of like tapping it with the recoil. Don't pull it over. If it takes off then your starter brushes are bad. I do not suggest tapping on the starter, but you can also try that while holding the start button.
If any of these methods do not help the issue, then yes your decompressor is not working and the cam will need replacement

----- Gregg -----