Starter spins, does not engage. Starter, or Starter Clutch?

Hi Folks,
Yes the starter spins, quickly too, but engages nothing.
This bike, ('83XJ750), has only 12,000 miles on it, has been passed on to new owners 4 times because it was not working. Last guy cleaned it up, discovered this starter problem, and gave it to me.
I need some trouble shooting guidlines.
The starter motor is spinning, but it has a very light sound, as if only the armiture is spinning.
A. Does this starter have gears inside the unit case that may be at fault?
B. Is the starter clutch at fault, and slipping?
Thanks Guys!
Bill

 

I do not know about the starter clutch, but the starter has no gears inside the unit, only on the outside which engages with something inside the crankcase. If it spins then it is not the starter, unless the gear is stripped at the end? You can pull it out and check, the starter takes a couple minutes to remove, I believe it's just 2 bolts on the outside. Even breaking it open is only 2 Phillips screws (on mine anyway).

Maybe I'm wrong, if so please correct me, I like to try and help out too

 

theres a recent thread about that, cleaning with seafoam in the oil, changing the weight of the oil, fixing thru the alternator hole or splitting the cases
look around and see what path you want to take
i just split the cases and got it over with, turned out none of the other options would have worked in my case

 

I think the starter motor drive gear has a pin inside the gear that breaks, causing the starter motor drive shaft to turn without turning the starter motor drive gear.

 

Re: Starter spins, does not engage. Starter, or Sttr Clutch

I pulled the starter out, it's OK. The problem must be the starter clutch. :cry: Sounds like I have to remove the engine, then open 'er up. Is that right?
Bill

 

There is a "Shortcut" method.
Search: Starter Clutch Shortcut.

It saves you from having to split the cases and remove the engine.
Although aptly named "Shortcut" ... you go in through a Cover thats behind the Alternator.

That Cover was secured at the Factory using Torx Screws treated with Industrial Strength thread locker.
No joy getting them out.

 

i took my starter clutch out in three pieces, so if i would have done the shortcut method to replace the springs and rollers i would have pulled the engine anyhow
there are a few chain guides and tensioners in there to replace, you get all the sludge out of the crankcase and get to clean all those places that you can't see anyway

 

Re: Starter spins, does not engage. Starter, or Starter Clut

Thanks, I read, and printed out the short cut methed.
Would I still have to remove the alternator and that cover if I were to go the long way, and open the cases?

 

i believe so
but even if you don't have to, you can check the alternator brushes

 

Re: Starter spins, does not engage. Starter, or Starter Clut

Folks,
Thanks for the help, time to end this thread. Great news! Problem solved!
I was just taking off the alt. cover bolts to reach the starter clutch, when I gave the idler gear a spin. It would only spin in one direction? I put some power through the starter to check the direction of spin. Sure! The starter had been spinning backwards! I checked the battery cables, with the wiring diagram.
Sure! Some mope up the road from me had swapped the battery ground with the starter Positive! I put it right, the engine turned over like a champ!
You never know what some Bushie has done, before you take a critical look.
Bill

 

Re: Starter spins, does not engage. Starter, or Starter Clut

Proto:

Similar to me, except I screwed up the orientation of the brush plate. Are you saying they had the positive lead to the ground side of the starter? If so I dont; know why you woudl have a massive short??

Oh, or are you saying you were running a positive ground bike, like some of the older British motorcars??

 

Re: Starter spins, does not engage. Starter, or Starter Clut

Hey Rover, I read your thread this morning, glad you got your problem resolved.
I was following you're progress for sure.
My bike was given to me by a guy who did some good, but gave up, who got it from another guy who gave up, who got it from another guy who messed it up.
This is what you want to know: The Neg. cable from the battery was connected to the starter Pos. (Wrong).
The Solenoid Red cable was connected to the battery Pos. (Correct). The other Solenoid cable, Black but also Pos. was connected to the frame, (Wrong).
This reversed the polarity when the start button was pressed, and spun the starter backward.
I wouldn't try to replicate this.
Bill

 

Re: Starter spins, does not engage. Starter, or Starter Clut

Wow, almost a comedy of errors.

Next step pull & clean carbs & tank..

 

Un-bee-leave-able!!!
I type that because I have to be good and NOT type:
You've got to be "You-know-whatting-me"

That's the first time I ever heard of that one.
I'm happy you were able to figure it out by exchanges of information through the Forum.
That's one of the kind of things you need to have the bike right there in front of you to look at and analyze.

That this problem was resolved by discussion and a few pictures is a credit to everyone who helped-out on it.

You gotta admit ... swapping a couple of wires, here and there, is a whole lot easier than going-on-in to swap-out the rollers and springs.