Starter help

[MrFreeze5]

Looking over my engine, I have been trying to determine why this bike sat for 5 years before it came to me. I have been able to verify the engine had been rebuilt shortly before it was parked, so what went wrong? Everything on the engine looks good. The compression is fine, it turns smoothly, and a scope inside the cylinders looked good too. The only issue I can see, and it may not even be an issue, is the starter making a nasty whirring noise when I turn the engine over with a wrench. I pulled the starter(which wasnt even bolted in, hmmm) and the engine is as quiet as silk rubbing together. Compared to the starters for other bikes in my parts bins, they dont make much noise. Are these supposed to be loud like this? It is 30 years old. Should I look into replacing it? I havent tried hooking it to a battery yet, but it turns freely by hand. Other possible issues? And should the starter be turning when the engine turns over?

I have also seen some reference to a starter clutch fix, but have not found a lot of info on it. It seems the common issue is the starter not engaging and turning the engine right? I am truly hoping I have an extermal issue and not internal. I dont have the space for an engine overhaul right now.

[mro]

The starter motor should not be turning while you turn the engine over manually. Sounds like the starter clutch may be stuck. I'd start the engine and shut it down a couple times to see if it will disengage (it should). If it’s still stuck, then I don’t know anything short of pulling the engine to get at it that will help.

mro

[MrFreeze5]

The starter motor should not be turning while you turn the engine over manually. Sounds like the starter clutch may be stuck. I'd start the engine and shut it down a couple times to see if it will disengage (it should). If it’s still stuck, then I don’t know anything short of pulling the engine to get at it that will help.

mro

Well, the engine is pulled and sitting in my kitchen right now And it hasnt been started in years and there is no oil in it. But a teardown means the kitchen counter becomes my workspace, and that doesnt really work for me right now. I wont really be able to start the engine, or try to start it, until Ive picked up more parts, and hopefully got this one close to squared away. I dont want to install and engine to find out its crap and needs to be replaced.

I am looking at a complete bike for sale locally. If its still there next week Im probably going to get it, so that should be a backup engine if it comes to it, but Im really hoping it doesnt.

I am "HOPING" that because it sat for a while sans oil, that the clutch is just stuck. One would think that if the engine was serviced, that would have been addressed. Maybe Im giving one too much credit.

[MrFreeze5]

Another question, and please pardon my ignorance. What actuates the starter clutch? I mean, with the engine off. I would want the starter to turn the engine. I can turn the idler gear with my finger and watch the flywheel move. So what disengages the starter after its started? Or I am assuming, it is supposed to engage while starting and then disengage again, correct?

[bikerphil]

If you're turning the engine CCW from the left side (ign. side), the starter will make a strange noise. These engines run backwards (in case you didn't know), so turning CW is the correct direction and there shouldn't be any noise. JAT, HTH

[MrFreeze5]

If you're turning the engine CCW from the left side (ign. side), the starter will make a strange noise. These engines run backwards (in case you didn't know), so turning CW is the correct direction and there shouldn't be any noise. JAT, HTH

Alright, now I feel dumb. I didnt think about opposite rotation. The idler gear free wheels when the engine is turned the other direction. I was initially turning CW on the flywheel. Turning the opposite direction did not turn the starter. So Yay! Im dumb, but no major problems aside from that. The starter, however, is noisy in any direction. A very clattery kinda noise. It might be worth replacing soon anyway.

[wingnut]

Take the starter apart first before you head off and buy another 30 year old unknown unit. A good cleaning and relube of the bushings and a set of brushes and you could be all set. And it dosen't take up much counter space

[bikerphil]

The starter, however, is noisy in any direction. A very clattery kinda noise.

If you hook a set of jumper cables up to the starter and a battery, then you can listen to it running. They are usually pretty quiet. That should give you an idea if it's NFG. They are usually plentiful and cheap on eBay.

[DELL82]

I am currently rebuilding a starter and found the commutator end bearing is shot. Does anyone know where i can get a Iron centered bearing for the cap? Have tried to find one to no avail. Parts list does not show replacement from Yamaha. Am currently Googling sleeve bearings but have not found any supplier with the bearing. I have the needed dimensions.
Dell82

[Lunatic]

MSC direct?

have you checked the MSC catalog for that bearing? its not as convenient as the catalog, but try MSCdirect.com and see if you can find it there.

[crazy steve]

I am currently rebuilding a starter and found the commutator end bearing is shot. Does anyone know where i can get a Iron centered bearing for the cap? Have tried to find one to no avail. Parts list does not show replacement from Yamaha. Am currently Googling sleeve bearings but have not found any supplier with the bearing. I have the needed dimensions.
Dell82

Have you tried your local bearing supply? And a lot of the industrial bolt outfits carry various sized bushings too. Another place to try is electric motor repair places, or even small tool or vacuum repair shops. It's not often these guys have disappointed me....

'78E original owner