Starter spins, but not engaging

[oldrookie]

Hit the button, get a strong "whir" from the starter, but the bike won't start.

Something is not engaging.

Is this a symptom for which the "pull the starter and check the bushes and clean the commutator" procedure is recommended?

Can't tell from the manual whether that procedure is for a slow starter that won't spin up, or whether the lack of engagement in mine is likely to be helped.

 

[Eli69]

possibly broken bolts on starter clutch. BTDT.

 

[tom203]

If you've messed with starter, make sure it's turning right direction. Otherwise, pull the cover and take a peak at starter clutch drive-

 

[oldgrumpy]

starter gear set up ''''''''''

starter gear set up ''''''''''

hi i,d pull the left side off and check the springs and rollers and also stone smooth the sheet metal on the side for grooves /damage its not a hard job to do regards oldgrumpy

 

[oldrookie]

Okay, thanks for the advice.

Haven't pulled the starter out since I got the bike, so it is spinning the right direction.

Assume the starter clutch drive is the pinion gear assembly?

Will check on all the items mentioned above.

At some point, I'm just hoping to ride this thing for more than a week at a time.

 

[rustybronco]

#1 In this drawing
http://www.alpha-sports.com/spst/1983 GR650/48.gif

 

[oldrookie]

Thank you, rustybronco.

 

[Homie]

Sounds like a starter-clutch issue to me. You can remove the left engine cover to reveal the alternator and starter drive (drain the oil first or it will all spill out when you remove the cover). Engage the starter and if the starter-clutch ring-gear turns but the crank doesn't - it's your starter-clutch. I assume the starter-clutch is in pretty much the same position on the Tempter as it is on my 1100E's - behind the alternator rotor/flywheel. It's position makes it a pain to get to as the rotor/flywheel is a beast to get off even with the right tools.

 

[oldrookie]

You have no idea how much I am hoping you are wrong. I'm very much a newbie wrench and that sounds a bit beyond my skill level at the moment. I can barely get things apart when I have the right tools and it sounds like I don't for this job.

 

[oldrookie]

Took the starter out. Could turn the shaft by hand, but it felt tight.

Held it down and hit the starter button. Something inside turns, but not the shaft.

Looks like the starter is the problem.

So, guru of all things electrical sold by Suzuki...what's next? New starter? Tear down and rebuild the old one?

 

[GateKeeper]

Pull it apart see what is going on, you can't make it worse, can you...?

If you have the bike manual, it should show you in detail on how to tear it apart.

.

 

[oldrookie]

Pull it apart see what is going on, you can't make it worse, can you...?

If you have the bike manual, it should show you in detail on how to tear it apart.

.

I hesitate to say no to a question like that.

Have the manual- it is a bit weak on detail.

 

[GateKeeper]

if this is it, it seems the same as most

 

[GateKeeper]

Sorry about the huge picture....wow

 

[oldrookie]

That appears to be the beast.

Guess I'll pull it apart and see what's going on with. Rebuild seems like a good option.

 

[tom203]

That appears to be the beast.

Guess I'll pull it apart and see what's going on with. Rebuild seems like a good option.

Let us know, as I'm curious as to what was spinning if the shaft wasn't.


Edit; visit Tips and Tricks forum for DIY starter repair

 

[oldrookie]

I'm curious too. Something was making a "whir" inside the case, but the shaft wasn't turning.

I tapped it with a hammer and hit the starter button. Shaft started to spin, but slowly and it made unhappy noises while doing so. Didn't run long.

I'll tear it apart this evening and see what going on internally.

 

[old_skool]

If you need a replacement, they show up all the time on ebay, fairly cheap sometimes. My boneyard here is littered with them, not sure how much, not sure how reliable they would be, another ebay seller sells complete rebuild kits for them, around $25-$29

 

[oldrookie]

old_skool,

Have you rebuilt one before? From what I have picked up while reading about this...the fact that it runs when tapped indicates it might be bushes. Does that fit your understanding?

How specific are the starters to specific bikes? Is substitution likely?

 

[old_skool]

old skool,

Have you rebuilt one before? From what I have picked up while reading about this...the fact that it runs when tapped indicates it might be bushes. Does that fit your understanding?

How specific are the starters to specific bikes? Is substitution likely?

The GR takes the same one as my 1100L, my starters are interchangeable, if you take your time, they are easy to rebuild, the tricky part is keeping the brushes in place when re-installing them, toothpicks, the old bushing gets chiseled out, the old bearing taps out easy enough, the kit comes with everything, but there is no telling what shape your armature is in, I rebuilt one once, and should have inspected it better as I had a bad one with a burnt winding. Inspect it well when you take it apart, there will be a lot of messy carbon build up inside.