loud pop!

[Nooner]

My '81550T has been running well. I avoid battery charging problems by putting it on a charger at night. Went to start it this AM, pushed the starter button and there was a loud pop or crack. Subsequent attempts at starting only produced a low whirr sound. I had no time to examine it because I had to get to work. Any advice on how I should start examining this thing? Thanks.

[tkent02]

Get rid of the charger and fix the bike.

http://www.thegsresources.com/garage/gs_statorfacts.htm

It sounds like something in the starter clutch failed too.

[bonanzadave]

It sounds like something in the starter clutch failed too.

To name one possibility. Let us know what you find. Dont over look the obvious. It could be your crankcase filled with gas overnight and your engine is locked up.

[mrl1000l]

79 GS1000L was having a pop on initial start up ever since I've used a trickle charger on the battery while the battery is on the bike. My bike has no problem starting, but I took off the stator cover and cranked the bike a few times, checked the starter motor. everything is acting fine and looks good. My best guess relates to the stator link tkent02 posted (thanks for that!) I hope there is no lasting damage, but I'm worried its an ignition coil issue now.

[mrl1000l]

Deeper research shows that my popping sound is coming from my starter motor. I just hope its not from any fluctuation in electricity from the trickle charger.

[duaneage]

The starter takes 20-25 amps of current right off the bat. If you have a bad brush inside it could easily weld over. Starters are rebuild able but a used one can be had for 30 dollars or so.

[mrl1000l]

Finally, the real problem reared its ugly head. Starter Clutch. Sounds like a bag of bolts when I start up and I noticed the dimpling from the rollers knocking around in the housing. I've read that the bushing and dow housing is the same for multiple years, multiple engine sizes as low as 550s...let you know how it goes.