Starter question 1978 1100

[Del Tysdal]

My starter is beginning to spin once in a while. Especially when the engine is cold and after sitting for a while. I am told the starter clutch is showing its age and use. I see in the manual that repair would include removal of the engine and a complete tear down. Sounds like I might as well junk it out or do a complete engine overhaul. What do you folks think? Deltysdal@aol.com

[xswilly]

i have a 78 also
and during the winter, when i start it up
the starter will free spin a few times
but only when it is real cold below 20

[Del Tysdal]

About 20 degrees F

The starter spun quite a few times before it grabbed good to get the motor started. My son suggested I use 10/40 oil next year and not to 'tax' the starter continuously. Just be careful. Is there any 'oil additive' that will help.

[bikerphil]

cold weather oil

Might want to try a 5W40 instead of 10W40. The first number is the cold viscosity weight and the second is the warm; 5 being thinner than 10. These bikes tend to slip the starter clutch in cold weather, but 5W oil should help.

[xswilly]

when the temps come back up to a normal riding temp
lets say 50-80 degrees
your starter will work ok and never free spin
my bike is put away right now as the outside temps are about 20 here and light snow tonight about an inch
followed by freezing rain,
oh boy sounds like a nice drive to work tomorrow

[Del Tysdal]

5 w 40

I will try 5W 40 next spring. Thanks for the suggestions. Best wishes to all.

[boyat68]

Del Tysdal:

Just for kicks, try to have a fully charged battery the next time you try to start the beast in cold weather. This way it will pinpoint if it is the starter or the voltage, as these machines take a full battery to start properly. For example if the voltage is not sufficient to close the relay, engage the starter gear completely, and turn a cold engine, the gear may not engage fully and slip out and spin freely.

[jeffe]

On more FYI. The starter on my 78E will do the same thing. Since I have been using Seafoam just before an oilchange per directions it is much better. Even before this it was a cold weather problem. My 650 Seca would do the same thing. It is a pretty immitation of Chew Bace!!

[Del Tysdal]

Seafoam?

Seafoam in the oil? I use it in the gas tank for winter with a full tank of gas.

[jeffe]

Seafoam in the oil? I use it in the gas tank for winter with a full tank of gas.

Follow the directions. Put the called for amount in the oil just before an oil change. Either let it idle up to operating temp or take it for a very gentle ride, just a couple miles. I live about 3 miles from work, which is where I do my oil changes. I will put the seafoam in the the oil, take a nice easy ride to work and do a regular oil change. I do this every 2nd or 3rd oil change. Normally when I change the oil it is relatively clean looking coming out of the bike. When I do the Seafoam it is almost black. It appears to break up all the sludge and other build up in the crankcase, etc. It seems to help my clutch work better, less "grabby"and to help with the starter problem you described. I would just be extra careful to not put a heavy load on the engine when it is in your crancase. My 2cents

[Del Tysdal]

Thanks for the Seafoam tip

I will try this suggestion also next spring. We have 15 degrees F in Glyndon MN USA today.