I finally got another starter for my 1981 Maxim 550. Installed it. Changed the oil. Put some gas in the tank. Put the fuel cock on PRI for a minute or so. Turned it back to on. Cranked it over. Turned over beautifully for a few second and then disengaged. Now the starter spins but will not engage. Any ideas?? I am unsure how the starter clutch is supposed to operate. Any insight?
When I take the starter motor out, it and everything attached to it (electric connection, starter motor, planetary gears, output shaft and gear) all look and appear to work perfectly when I ground the starter motor body to the frame of the motorcycle. When installed yesterday for the first time, it turned the motorcycle engine over just fine. Battery is excellent. Now, the starter motor still works as before, in and out of the bike, the motorcycle engine does not turn over, however.
A similar thing used to happen with my Seca after it turned over for a few seconds, it would dis-engage with the engine. It was not persistent on the Seca, however.
As near as I can figure, my problem is in the starter clutch somewhere.
1) Can anyone give me an idea about how it works? I have the parts diagram, but it is not helping me much.
2) What is involved with opening it up and seeing what is going on inside? How much does the bike need to be torn apart in order to get at it?
3) Anyone want to buy a 1981 Maxim 550?
Thanks,
Ken
1981 XJ550
Hey Ken.
Why don't you order the XJ CD? It contains diagrams and lots of good dianogistics.
http://members.tripod.com/dave_jack/id47.htm#xjcdCheck it out!
On a personal level, I had my starter clutch go. Had to crack the engine. Are you sure the starter and not the starter clutch?