GS1100EZ starter problem I think

[Sandor]

Hi guys,
I have a 1982 GS 1100E (Z). I've recently replaced the head bolt O-rings, r/r with a Honda CBR unit, adjusted the valves and cleaned the carbs. Tried to start it today to test the charging system and it turns over VERY slowly and then the solenoid just clicks. The battery is new and has 12.5v. If I whack the starter it will again turn over slowly. When I hit the button there is 12.3v or so at the starter.

I took the starter apart and both brushes look very worn. There is little tension on the armature since they are worn down and the spring can no longer keep tension. It will spin over freely off the bike but when installed it just groans and barely turns the engine over. Any luck replacing the brushes? Doesn't sound like a starter clutch to me...Anybody have a used one I could buy?? (Sounds like more than one of us 1100 guys might be looking for one!)

Thanks in advance for any help!

Sandor

 

[chuckycheese]

Brushes

Brushes

Get new ones! They're cheap and easy to install. While you're at it, polish up your armature and your starter will act like it's new!

 

[Sandor]

I did some looking (Bike Bandit, Ron Ayers, Old Bike Barn, etc.) and They only show one of the two brushes (Part number 9 in the link below.) and not the one that is not connected to the post. http://www.bikebandit.com/suzuki-motorcycle-gs1100ez-1982-starter-clutch/o/m5998sch270721

Does that make sense?

 

[rphillips]

Be careful "wacking" on these starters with anything. Unlike Chevy or Ford starters, these starters have magnets glued to the outer cases. Even light Wacking or pecking on them can & will break the magnets & cause chunks to jump off & cling to the armature, causing severe damage to the starter. Not proud of it, but speaking from experience.

 

[Sandor]

Be careful "wacking" on these starters with anything. Unlike Chevy or Ford starters, these starters have magnets glued to the outer cases. Even light Wacking or pecking on them can & will break the magnets & cause chunks to jump off & cling to the armature, causing severe damage to the starter. Not proud of it, but speaking from experience.

Good tip! Does anybody know if a 1980 GS1100 starter would fit? Or a GS700?

 

[chuckycheese]

Good tip! Does anybody know if a 1980 GS1100 starter would fit? Or a GS700?

The starters for your bike and the 1980 GS1100 are exactly the same ones. I don't think there was a GS700 but I think most GS starters will fit most GS bikes....not all, but most (I think).

 

[posplayr]

Starter

Starter

80-81 750E starter will fit an 80-83 GS1100E but the 1100 starters are stronger (higher power rating).
The 750E starter is strong enough to turn over the 1100E just not real fast.


Pos.

 

[Sandor]

The starters for your bike and the 1980 GS1100 are exactly the same ones. I don't think there was a GS700 but I think most GS starters will fit most GS bikes....not all, but most (I think).

That's what I thought too! These made me wonder though:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230313343938&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT&viewitem=#ht_500wt_789

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130267960547&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT&viewitem=

Would they fit?

 

[Sandor]

80-81 750E starter will fit an 80-83 GS1100E but the 1100 starters are stronger (higher power rating).
The 750E starter is strong enough to turn over the 1100E just not real fast.


Pos.

Perfect. Thanks. I'll stick with the 1100 starters. Anybody found brushes that work as replacements? I cleaned up the armature and it looks good. The bike only has 16k on it.

 

[MrZig]

Perfect. Thanks. I'll stick with the 1100 starters. Anybody found brushes that work as replacements? I cleaned up the armature and it looks good. The bike only has 16k on it.

Thought about going to a local alternator/starter shop and asking them for some? Never done it myself personally but worth a shot.

 

[omaharj]

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=97259&highlight=starter

Ta-dah!!!!!

 

[rphillips]

A local starter/ alternator shop is a very good idea. Ours closed recently, due to the owner retired. He had done several bike starters for me & had told me he could slightly modify some brushes he kept is stock easier & quicker than he could get the orig. brushes. Never had a problem with what he fixed. I'm now wondering what I'll do the next timeI need him.

 

[Matchless]

Get a brush kit here: http://www.cyclewareables.com/pages/street_startermotor_repair_kits/startmtrkit.htm

 

[bwringer]

You can get starters and parts here, too:

http://www.stockers.com