weird noise when starting

[flash=250,200]http://www.youtube.com/v/FG3Jk6rrIPo.swf[/flash]

i don't know if that flash embedding script is working. so here's the link to it

this is a recording of the wierd clicking noise that my bike makes when i'm trying to start it.

any ideas?

 

Sounds like the starter clutch is not engaging (IE faulty). I think there was a thread about repairing this without splitting the crankcases (still fairly complicated from memory). Try the search button.

 

Before you venture into the starter clutch, there are a few other possible causes.

What kind of oil are you using? Oils with the high mileage additives and other green additives can cause you clutch and possibly the starter clutch to slip.

If you starter is not spinning fast enough you can have slippage too.
Could be your battery is getting weak. Make sure it is full (fluid wise) and charge it. Take it to an autozone or whatever and have it tested. Also this can be a starter needing to be cleaned, bad connections, corroded starter relay, etc.



Start with those first. Here is a good link on starting issues - mostly aimed at starter not turning but will help you understand the circuit to be sure it is OK

Diagnose starting issues
http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=7828.html

 

thank you, gentlemen.

 

starter clutch or blown starter. Check starter first, since it's a lot cheaper and easier.

 

So far I only removed the oil pan. Found a big piece of plastic on the bottom. What is it a part of?

 

That looks like Starter Clutch parts

 

the plastic looks like a piece of the primary chain guide, I pulled a similar piece from a friend of mines 750.

 

That is for sure pieces of the primary chain guide, I just pulled my motor and split the cases to replace mine and am in the process of putting it all back together. Your starter clutch is probably fine, that noise is the primary chain slipping on the crankshaft sprocket as the guide has fallen apart and this allows enough slack for this to occur. I had the same noise, and the starter clutch was as good as new when I opened it up. Just the pesky guide was destroyed, which is unfortunately very deep inside the engine.

 

got pics?

 

Is it #7 here?
Does that mean that the head needs to come off?

 

Born2bl8, No that isn't the part.

Folks, that piece of plastic is off of the starter chain guide. It traditionally drops pieces all over your transmission and locks you into 1st gear and neutral. The only way to replace it is to split the case and install a new unit. They run about $25 from Chacal. No easy fix for this I'm afraid. Best spring the dough and get the clutch parts and new tensioner as well as case seals and such and do it right.