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Starter noise?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jamie furman
  • Start date Start date
J

jamie furman

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Sometimes when I first start my 1978 GS1000 it makes a loud metallic noise almost like the starter is jumping teeth, and sounds like a noise you here in a car when the starter solenoid isn't engaging the gear properly or engages partially. I took the stator cover off and checked the gears and everything looks new so I went to the dealer and spoke to a mechanic. The mechanic told me the bikes will make that sound if it has a low battery, so I bought a new battery and at first it was fine but if the battery is not constantly on the tender to keep a full charge there is a good chance it will make that noise. After it starts it is fine every time you go to start it after that, it won't make any noise but it doesn't even crank longer than 1 second before starting. I was wondering if anyone else has heard that and does it sound like the starter is going bad or the starter clutch? Any info would be appreciated.
thanks Jamie
 
jamie furman said:
Sometimes when I first start my 1978 GS1000 it makes a loud metallic noise almost like the starter is jumping teeth, and sounds like a noise you here in a car when the starter solenoid isn't engaging the gear properly or engages partially. I took the stator cover off and checked the gears and everything looks new so I went to the dealer and spoke to a mechanic. The mechanic told me the bikes will make that sound if it has a low battery, so I bought a new battery and at first it was fine but if the battery is not constantly on the tender to keep a full charge there is a good chance it will make that noise. After it starts it is fine every time you go to start it after that, it won't make any noise but it doesn't even crank longer than 1 second before starting. I was wondering if anyone else has heard that and does it sound like the starter is going bad or the starter clutch? Any info would be appreciated.
thanks Jamie
Click to expand...

The engine will kick back and stress the starter when the engine does not crank quickly.

Get the charging system in order. Start with quick test.

Then we can move on to more options after that.
 
jamie furman said:
Sometimes when I first start my 1978 GS1000 it makes a loud metallic noise almost like the starter is jumping teeth, and sounds like a noise you here in a car when the starter solenoid isn't engaging the gear properly or engages partially. I took the stator cover off and checked the gears and everything looks new so I went to the dealer and spoke to a mechanic. The mechanic told me the bikes will make that sound if it has a low battery, so I bought a new battery and at first it was fine but if the battery is not constantly on the tender to keep a full charge there is a good chance it will make that noise. After it starts it is fine every time you go to start it after that, it won't make any noise but it doesn't even crank longer than 1 second before starting. I was wondering if anyone else has heard that and does it sound like the starter is going bad or the starter clutch? Any info would be appreciated.
thanks Jamie
Click to expand...
................... hi if 1 or more springs are broken or collapsed the starter clutch will sound ****ty ..its not a big job to put a new kit new rollers and springs and maybey a gasket regards oldgrumpy try z1 in usa
 
oldgrumpy said:
................... hi if 1 or more springs are broken or collapsed the starter clutch will sound ****ty ..its not a big job to put a new kit new rollers and springs and maybey a gasket regards oldgrumpy try z1 in usa
Click to expand...

Yep, this is a slipping clutch (all parts in tact; just to much clearance for the sprage to lock). It doesnt sound like this is your problem.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGaJnlA2uIE


With my GS1100 and 1166, can sounds like someone is wacking the side of the case using a hammer when the battery is low.
 
Low cranking speed causes starter clutch damage and not just old bikes either - if you see a triple Triumph the owner is probably an expert.
New batteries won't always get you out of jail especially if not kept fully charged. Even if fully charged the starter may be unaware of the fact. Open and clean off the terminals on the starter relay and motor - surprising how big a difference it can make. Pull in the clutch, it's going to drag but every little helps and you only have to be slightly over the line to stop kick back. Starter brushes could be worth a look. A little housekeeping there goes a long way.
Jump starting from a car will give you an idea of what you're up against. Take the -ve lead direct to the engine casing and start walking the +ve from the battery +ve down towards the starter in steps.
 
Last edited:
The charging system is in order and like I was saying it normally only happens on a cold start up and its got a new battery and the engine is not dragging , its just if the starter doesn't start the bike immediately it makes a loud whining about half the time if it has to crank for a couple of seconds, most of the time it starts instantly so its no problem its only when it has to crank a couple of seconds. Is the starter clutch part of the starter itself and will a new starter cure the problem?


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff319/jamiefurman/newcarsandbikeresto067_zps698bbf44.jpg
 
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