Sparks when bridging solenoid: normal?

[AaronPDX]

In an effort to diagnose my starter troubles (see http://www.kymcoforum.com/index.php?topic=24446.0), tried bypassing the key starting and jumping the solenoid:

1. Took off seat.
2. Located solenoid on right side.
3. Lifted sleeves from red and black.
4. Bridged underlying screws with screwdriver.
5. ZAP! Sparks.

Is that normal? Sparks occurred whether key was in off or on position. No start, so solenoid is working correctly, supposedly. But is sparking de rigeur?

Thanks,
Aaron

[Mr. Paul]

Yep. Its normal. And alarming. 

[AaronPDX]

Thanks Mr. Paul. Do you think I need to test the solenoid beyond this (for the non-starting issue), or is this enough to prove it works?

[Redk]

Aaron, I will need to check my People 250 tomorrow, but it seems to me you should have at least 3 lugs for wire connectors on your solenoid. Two larger ones, for the heavier cables, and one smaller, which will run to the button for energizing the solenoid coil, enabling it to make contact internally for the heavy load of the starter.

Best to jump from the battery hot lug to the smaller lug, which will energize the unit as designed, though jumping the big ones will work, bringing pretty big arcs because that is the heaviest load your battery ever encounters !
The starter could be funky and drawing too much juice, also...
If you have the skill, cleaning internally and lubing could help.
redk

[AaronPDX]

Thanks Redk.  Alas I don't have the skill; time to get this baby in the shop I think. Unless there's another easy diagnostic step I can take...

[Mr. Paul]

I still am convinced a new battery will fix your problem.

[mrbios]

If you have good power from the battery and bypass the solenoid the way you did then the starter is fried. New I saw a price of $45.  People ruin them by cranking a motor that wont start usually due to lack of fuel or another problem.