Starter Fun!! :(

[havoK]

Ok, new thread, new problem...

I am trying to get the starter replaced/fixed on my 1978 gs 750e...

I have replaced the solenoid (brand new) and the starter motor (used, but tested ok) ,which are working the same as old ones, and it is still not working

What I have now is what it was doing in the first place...making a buzzing/grinding sound (like it is hitting a gear with a missing tooth etc) and not starting...Ocasionally...it will turn a few times, and then it goes back to the grinding sound (kinda like a compression grinder) and it seems to be turning with no gear to turn...just seems like something in the gearing is missing, not set correctly...and I am not sure what to do with it...I have read through the CLYMERS and can't seem to find the missing thing, to make this work...

I have not pulled the stator side cover to check, so thats my next move...
Is it possible to be something else?
Any other things to troubleshoot? (electronic/wires...etc)

If anyone can point me in a direction of help...?
please...

[tom203]

Pull that stator cover off to check out starter clutch system. Go to parts diagrams at www.alpha-sports.com to see what lurks inside.

[havoK]

will have to wait for funds increasing...spent all my money on bike stuff last week....
but will do, thanks tom...

[SqDancerLynn1]

Kick start that puppy !!!!

[TheCafeKid]

Kick start that puppy !!!!

Exactly. Youre building a cafe bike right? No? Either way ditch the starter motor, secondary gear and all (inside the stator cover). That'll save you like 5-7lbs.
A well tuned 750 will kickstart first time, every time.

Incidentally, the problem may not be your starter, but the starter clutch (inside the stator cover, behind the rotor, on the end of the crank).
Pretty common blow up.

[havoK]

I have been kickstarting for a good month or so, but would like to have the option of the starter...
What is the most common foul up in the starter clutch?...just wondering if there is a piece to check first, or replace for sure...?

[mpencegs]

My starter was a piece of crap until I figured out that the brush spring was the issue. It was only partially making contact with one brush and would cause me all kinds of grief. Once I rewound the brush spring for good contact my starter is awesome now..

[Steve]

What is the most common foul up in the starter clutch?...just wondering if there is a piece to check first, or replace for sure...?

When you pull the stator cover, you will see the rotor, with the starter clutch just behind it. The starter clutch will be just about the same diameter as the rotor and about 15-20mm deep. The outer edge should be all smooth, with the possibility of three small dimples around the edge. The most common failure is a hole in the rim that is allowing the spring to come through it. That spring is supposed to be pushing on a roller that rides on the crank. When it comes through the rim, it loses tension and won't push hard enough on the rollers for them to engage, driving the crank to start the engine.

.

[havoK]

Thanks steve, will work on that this week...
Have Clymers to help too...sounds like the culprit...

[Steve]

The "fun" part will be pulling the rotor, which you will need to do to change the starter clutch.

Do NOT pound on it, you will break the magnets.

.