starter engagement problem

[mainlylinux]

Any ideas about a starter that doesn't engage properly? The starter motor always spins, but sometimes it doesn't engage with the crank, or other times it starts to engage the crank and the bike starts turning over but then it slips and just free wheels. Makes starting kind of a pain

Dan

[xswilly]

doesn't say where you are

but mine works great all summer
when the weather turns cold, it acts up as you describe

but i'm talking 20 or less degrees

[mro]

starter engagement problem

Sounds like a little dirt or corrosion on starter shaft (clean under gear too!)



mro

[mro]

when the weather turns cold, it acts up as you describe

grease on starter shaft? can freeze.




mro

[prometheus578]

"Hey Pal... you wanna start sumptin?"

These starters are not like car starters. Car starters have a solinoid that, when turning, pushes the gear forward to engage the flywheel. Bike starters... the gear is permanently attached to the starter shaft, and doesn't move in and out, just spins with the starter shaft. As your starter here always spins... it is good. Prob is with the starter clutch mechanism. The gear from the starter is always engage with the starter clutch. This is a one-way spinnin' gizmo. When the starter turns, it's gear spins the starter clutch on the crank, turnin' the engine. When the engine fires, the crank then free-wheels inside the starter clutch mechanism. Your prob seems to be the starter clutch... it doesn't clamp onto and spin the crank, or it starts to, and then lets the crank slip. Replacing the starter clutch is easy once you've taken the engine out and removed the top half of the case. (Not that you wanted to hear that) On a positive note: There were several posts months back dealing with this. Seems that some people remedied the situation by just using a different brand of oil, or running one of those engine cleaners through it. Do a search for starter clutch and see what comes up.

[prometheus578]

Try this

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...starter+clutch

[mro]

hi prometheus578

what he said

Thanks for the correction. Think I'll keep my advise to myself now.
Cleaned my carbs and thought, I'm a mc tech lol


mro

[prometheus578]

"My mouth runneth over..."

No MRO... keep flappin' your gums. That's the only way I learn things. Wasn't too long ago that I said, "Starter clutch.. starter clutch... what the hell do you mean starter clutch. Starters don't have clutchs, you idiot!" I've learned quit a bit from being corrected on "all that I think I know."

[mro]

"My mouth runneth over..."

First rule when trouble shooting.
Don’t assume, check!!

Never pulled starter on xs.
From out side, saw small diameter, just thought it used centrifugal clutch
(basic air cooled engine starter.. spring to hold gear in when not in use and elongated spiral groove to thrust gear out to contact fly wheel when spun).

Mouth engaged before brain in gear (or starter!??),
or in this case fingers


mro

[Winterhawk]

I think you might have to split the cases for a starter gear problem that's not related to solenoids, motors and such.

[prometheus578]

"First rule when trouble shooting. Don't assume, check!"

From out side, saw small diameter, just thought it used centrifugal clutch

"It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts."
— Sherlock Holmes

(Would have made a good mechanic)