81 xj650 i just got...

alright so I'm pretty new to motorcycles and everything i got a 1981 xj650 for 100$ with the workshop manuel and decided to try and fix it up to get it back to running. So got a new battery for it and it sounds like a marble going round and round when i attempt to start the bike up. i took the starter out to see if something was wrong with that and banged on it a lil bit. later on it started and i rode it down the street to have it stall out on me. from what i think the workshop book made it sound like perhaps my starter clutch is not working and that's why it wont start? Not sure yet... I decided to take apart the starter though and see if everything in there was working fine, however upon reassembling it the gear on the outside that would previously turn now does not turn. I have taken it apart carefully and tried to put it back together according to the manuel but still do not understand what may be preventing it from turning as it did before? Does anybody have any suggestions for what i may have done wrong? also if you could confirm that it is most likely the starter clutch that is preventing it from starting. I also cleaned out the carbs on the bike prior to attempting to start it.

 

While it COULD be the starter clutch, it could also be a weak starter, or simply a case of using the wrong OIL.

Synthetic and/or any "Automotive" oils can cause starter clutch slippage, it's the most common situation. You need to use motorcycle-specific conventional oil.

It's also very easy to get the starter put back together with the brush plate slightly out of position so that the starter either won't spin, or will spin backward.

The starter clutch itself needs to go to the bottom of the list, since replacing it means splitting the crankcases. There are a lot of other possible causes to eliminate first.

 

I got another starter on ebay for the bike. now when i go to start the bike the starter doesn't turn? i Charged the new battery fully again. I removed the starter to see when i go to crank if the starter is turning and it is. So then i go to take a screwdriver to the solenoid to see if maybe that is the issue. few sparks fly and it started to turn over but didnt want to. After that i tried it again there were no sparks and all that happens is just a single Click from what sounds like the solenoid. Whats your guys thoughts?

 

if you take the cover off the left side of the motor there should be a flange with a square head on it (19mm) that is the end of the crankshaft, rotate it couter clockwise to ensure your engine will in fact rotate.

 

ok this is the new current issue. curious as to whether this means the starter is gone bad? this is the one i got on ebay... and if its that i needa try return it asap and im just gona buy a rebuilt one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtc7KRuDowE

 

my first post here, i should probably shoot over to whatever the noob section is and say hello (I WILL I SWEAR).

I am a professional man, and a gambling man, and right now both are telling me you should listen to krafty here and make sure your engine isn't locked up. Video makes it sound like hell, stripped out splines? slipping starter clutch? either way, seems like she doesn't want to turn.

 

Agreed, doesn't sound healthy. On Fitz's oil theme, you DID change the oil right? old/fuel contaminated oil wouldn't do much for the bottom end :?

As above, try turning over with a socket & see where you are... And if you put synth oil or anything above SG grade in, drop it out & replace with plain old dinosaur-juice oil

 

You'll need a 19mm open-end wrench to turn the crankshaft by hand; be careful not to crash into the ignition pickups.