Starter squall

Hey guys, my 82 xj650 (Maxim) occasionally will have a squall once the bike fires up. Doesn't happen all the time just occasionally and for just a second or two. I've read where starter clutch can be an issue that squeals but I feel this could be something different? Is there maintenance (lube/cleaning) that can be done? I've never messed with a starter before so Im not sure what kinda of can of worms that can be? Im guessing someone has posted on this before but I can't seem to find anything direct. Any suggestions or a point in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

The first thing what squall ? Do you mean squeals ? If it sounds like a can full of bolts rattling, that is starter clutch slip . You can change the oil recommend Shell Rotella 15/40 do not use synthetic oil this can really cause slipping. Another thing it is possible your starter needs rebuilt , brush kits are cheap and it is not terribly difficult. Unfortunately starter clutch slipping will only get worse the springs loose their tension and only way to fix it is to split the case . I have done two of these both engines were getting to the point of slipping so bad when hot only option was bump starting . If I have misunderstood what you described this maybe something else.

 

Starter motor repair

https://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/replacing-your-starter-motor-brushes-w-pics.45727/

 

Thanks for the responses. I had researched it a little and that's why I chose to use the term squall or squawk as opposed to squeal. Not trying to be smart but its a lower pitched sound and is pretty brief. Its not a higher pitched whine or a rattle like I've read about when the starter clutch goes out. Its more like two hard surfaces rubbing together that need lube? Im guessing it is in need of the starter rebuild (brushes) but was hoping for maybe confirmation before tearing into it.

 

By the way, the starter seems to function just fine. It just makes the noise as soon the bike is running and I release the start button.

 

You could remove the starter and connect it to the battery to see if it makes the noise. Might not though as it is not turning the engine. See @k-moe guide to not rebuilding your starter clutch below.

https://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/...building-your-slipping-starter-clutch.130438/

 

I will check that out Franz. Thanks so much.

 

That sounds a bit like what I'm in the process of repairing. Rebuilding the starter got rid of the squawk, but it was caused by the starter clutch jamming and not releasing when the engine was running, causing the engine to drive the starter.

 

Yes mabe the bolts are loose on the starter clutch?

 

Maybe, but it's not likely. The starter clutch housing can crack though, but that would tend to cause it to slip on startup, not stick.

 

I had this issue for a season or so especially if the bike sat for more than several days. It was just like the OP described when the bike started and the starter button was released a fairly loud squawk or squeal was heard, lasting for just a second or so. I always speculated it was a bearing not behaving but really not sure.

I want to say it was either the change of oil brand (Amsoil synthetic to Castrol Syntec) or the rebuilt starter. If I remember correctly doing those two things took care of the noise at startup and also corrected the intermittent box of rocks at cold startup

There used to be a video on YouTube that was very similar but it was a Honda 750, which I thought I had bookmarked but can't find anymore

 

Yes l have seen them cracked, hope it isn't that. Strange how bolts can slacken on starter clutches. Especially if they have thread locker on them.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I checked out K-moes guide and as Rooster suggested I am going to start with a good ole fashioned fluid change (which was already on my list) and see if that helps. I haven't done any routine maintenance on it in a couple years but quite frankly I put less than 1000 miles a year on this particular bike. Even though its been my long standing favorite of all the ones I've had (have). I just got a total carb rebuild kit and valve adjustment kit from Chacal so I'm knee deep in those two projects. But I wanted to address this starter issue while she's down.