warm start problem

Hey there-
Please bear with me as I am new and learning as I go along. My problem is when my XJ750k Maxim is warmed up, it becomes very difficult to restart. I push the start button and then just listen to the chain whirring. After several attempts the bike will instantaneously start. The hotter the motor is the worse this problem becomes. Is this a starter motor or starter clutch issue?

I am sure there is plenty of info on previous threads, I just couldn't find one with the exact problem. I mainly need a diagnosis, since fixing my bike takes a lot of planning.

Graduate student+ no money+no garage+no tools= one ratty XJ750 (still fun though)

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

It sounds like the starter clutch is slipping, which in itself is about $100.00 in parts (not including labor or gaskets). The unhappy chain-like noises you describe are the three little locking rollers bouncing and sliding around instead of grabbing as they should to start the engine. Warm oil is a better lubricant than cold, so it's worse when hot, as you've discovered.

To R&R the starter clutch, you need to pull the engine and split the cases. :cry:

What sort of oil are you using?...the super-slippery stuff can sometimes cause this, and a quick change to old-fashioned dino oil may bring temporary relief.

 

Thanks for your help! You suggest the starter clutch should be replaced completely and can't be rebuilt / repaired?

I run 20W 50 dino oil, because it is so hot down here in Puerto Rico.

This problem NEVER happens on a cold start, so I just thought it was weird how it would only slip when hot.
Cheers.

 

No, it can't be rebuilt. You have to take apart the entire lower end of the engine to R&R the parts.

Try 10W-40 oil instead of the 20W-50. Even in PR, the heavier oil is overkill.

PS- when you change your oil, closely inspect the drain pan to see if you have a lot of small coppery-looking bits in the oil. If you do, it's the starter, and it's unhappy.

 

I was just about to change to oil anyways...I'll exchange the 20W 50- Probably thurs or fri so I'll let you know how it goes...
Thanks again