is it the starter clutch??

[jordraatt]

Hi folks!

I've got a 1983 gs650G katana.. i've recently built a whole new electrical system on the bike.. i've changed the clutch, and changed engine oil..

now i have a problem.. when i push the start buttom, the starter just runs, without the engine.. i checked that it gets enough power, and i runs just fine.. no bad noises.. but it runs WITHOUT the engine.. i'm guessing it's the starter clutch??

what should i look for?? when do i know when to replace the starter clutch?? i've found a used one, but it's for gs650E.. anyone know if this will fit??

i am very thankful for some help..

[DanTheMan]

Is your battery fully charged? If the starter whirrs and nothing happens that's the first place to check. If you've had the side cover off the enginge where the starter clutch is, you'd better pull it off again and see if you put everything back in the right spots.

[tom203]

Is your battery fully charged? If the starter whirrs and nothing happens that's the first place to check. If you've had the side cover off the enginge where the starter clutch is, you'd better pull it off again and see if you put everything back in the right spots.

Yes, and make sure after your rewiring that starter motor is turning counterclockwise ( facing shaft end). The shafty 650's used different crank than E model- I'd suspect that starter clutch assembly is different though it probably shares parts, but I am unsure.

[jordraatt]

the battery is fully charged, yes.. and i've also tried with start-booster to make sure the battery works well..

the starter is turning counterclockwise.. guess i'll have to look for a new starter clutch?? i've found out that the starter clutches are almost the same on all gs models from 81 - 83..

i have taken out the starter clutch now, and i can't see any damages anywhere, it looks perfect.. what shall i look for?? and how do i know if it's worn out, or won't function??

sincerely

[jordraatt]

no loose pieces, everything seems allright.. here are some pics..

[jordraatt]

looking good

[jordraatt]

nothing wrong

[rustybronco]

Without having my starter clutch in front of me to make sure what I recall seeing last night, my springs and pins insert from the opposite direction as yours do.

To me that means, you have either the correct starter clutch and a motor that's turning the wrong direction (CW Vs. anti-CW), or the correct starter with the wrong starter clutch installed.

Considering you had a hard time removing the rotor, I suspect your starter motor is the wrong one and is turning the wrong direction IF that's possible.

[jordraatt]

Without having my starter clutch in front of me to make sure what I recall seeing last night, my springs and pins insert from the opposite direction as yours do.

To me that means, you have either the correct starter clutch and a motor that's turning the wrong direction (CW Vs. anti-CW), or the correct starter with the wrong starter clutch installed.

Considering you had a hard time removing the rotor, I suspect your starter motor is the wrong one and is turning the wrong direction IF that's possible.

okey, it might be possible that the starter is turning the wrong direction.. i've recently changed the whole electrical system on the bike.. the starter seems to be turning clockwise, i can see that now.. how's that possible, without ever removing the starter??

[rustybronco]

Have you owned the bike since new? or did you recently acquire the bike with the problem that it has now?

[jordraatt]

oh ****, this is awkward.. somehow the polarities have been polarized.. that's why the starter was turning the wrong way.. sorry about the inconvenience..

do you think the rest of the electrical components may have been damaged because of this??

[rustybronco]

And, I was worrying someone had played with the starters internal wiring!

Only one way to find out. Correct the batteries polarity, temporarily reinstall the side cover, turn the key on and give it a quick push and a fast shut down if it starts and check for the bike blowing fuses.

[tom203]

oh ****, this is awkward.. somehow the polarities have been polarized.. that's why the starter was turning the wrong way.. sorry about the inconvenience..

do you think the rest of the electrical components may have been damaged because of this??

Stuff happens! R/R likely blocked itself, hopefully the ignitor is OK

[jordraatt]

And, I was worrying someone had played with the starters internal wiring!

Only one way to find out. Correct the batteries polarity, temporarily reinstall the side cover, turn the key on and give it a quick push and a fast shut down if it starts and check for the bike blowing fuses.

heheh, i began to wonder about that myself.. had NO idea!! i guess the only thing that could have got damaged now is the ignitor.. the only way to test it must be starting the engine, as you say

[jordraatt]

Stuff happens! R/R likely blocked itself, hopefully the ignitor is OK

i guess there's no way to test the ignitor, other than starting the engine??