Starter clutch ????

I have a a prob where bike wont start with out push starting. I know battery is good and just tested starter. The starter was removed and ran on a battery by itself and turns fine but the bike wont start. I am aware that the starter clutch was going bad as prev. owner told me. Is it completely gone??? It did grind a few times before starting. No noise came from starter when tested on battery alone. If starter clutch has went out is there any instructions on how to change?

Further info the starter relay its clicking and i hear starter click too but nothing is turning over.

 

Test the Starter.
Be sure the problem isn't just STARTER MOTOR before blaming the Starter Clutch.

If the Starter isn't spinning; that's to be dealt with FIRST.
IF, ... the Starter IS spinning, and the ENGINE isn't Turning-over ... that's another story. Usually bad news.

Repairing the Starter Clutch is a labor-intensive, major overhaul, ... requiring a complete disassembling of the Engine.

More commonly referred to as "Splitting the Cases"

Since the job requires Splitting the Cases, ... it is advisable to replace several other internal parts which require Case Splitting while you Overhaul the Starter Clutch.

Further complicating matters is the degree of difficulty presented by seized fasteners which meed to be undone which might add unexpected costs to the project.

Before you decide to tackle the job, ... get an ACCURATE Compression Test performed.

If the Plant has exceptionally good Compression consider performing the Starter Clutch and Chain Guide R/R.

If the Compression Test results show that any of the Cylinders are Low or close to Low specs, ... you might be better-off finding a used Engine and doing a quick swap to get you back in action much faster.

 

Starter spins if taken off the engine and connected to battery by itself.

 

What does it sound like when you try to start it? Does it sound like this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw9jkb3NtrM

 

The previous owner probably had no clue.

Actual starter clutch failures are rare; you're describing a likely wiring or solenoid problem. The starter "clutch" is a sprag clutch and it the starter doesn't spin fast enough, it WON'T engage.

It will also have problems engaging if you use the wrong oil in the bike.

But if it's turning slowly, start there. Replacing the starter clutch requires splitting the engine cases (basically gutting the engine) and is not something you should do until you've exhausted all other possibilities.

And there are quite a few.

 

Here's a project you can do in 1 Hour.

Disconnect the Battery
Disconnect the Starter
Remove Starter Mounting Bolts.
Remove Starter

Test Starter.
Jumper Cable Test.
Wrap Starter with Rag - Place on Garage Floor in front of car
Hook Jumper Cables to Starter
RED - To +12V Post
BLACK - To one of Long Screws

RED to Car Battery +12 (Red)
Have someone HOLD Starter --> Gloves.

TEST:
Touch Ground to Car Battery NEG Post.
Starter should SPIN and RUN steadily.

Yes/ Starter good.
NO: Spray elect end.

Tape Shaft End of Starter to Starter Body
Prevent Shaft end from falling off.
Remove the two long Bolts.

Ease the Mount-end away from the Motor
Just enough to see inside.
Inspect the Brushes
Measure lengths ... 10mm or Less = Need New Brushes.

Clean Commutator and Brush Holder.
Dont let Brushes slide off Commutator.

Spray Drug Store Alcohol on Commutator and Brushes
Scrub with Soft NYLON Toothbrush.
Clean until what drips out is as clean as what you spray on.

Re assemble
Mount
Wire
Battery

Run-it!

 

Wirehairs - That youtube clip that you posted up is what mine has been doing, normally only happened in the morning or when cold or wet.

What does it mean?

 

There always seems to be an occasional grinding noise coming from engine only when starter is engaged but not from starter.This was before it wont start at all. Tried to "jump start" using a car battery connected to bike. Starter does spin disconnected from bike and connected to a battery, so it seems good. It started fine till sister-in-law dropped bike over on its left side but still had that grind i mentioned earlier. As far as oil before i had it im not sure i did just changed with with 10-40 bike oil with new filter.

Is it possible to try to start bike just using a battery to direct connect to starter?

 

Ben, I'm still figuring out my problem! I've been following this list in my problem solving: http://xjbikes.blogspot.ca/2009/01/how- ... rcuit.html

Lets share what we figure out!!