Battery Charged, Starter Spins Slowly, No Start

[cowboyup3371]

Thank you Oldvet but can't right now for reasons above. I'll keep it in mind though once the money settles down as I really need to just step back and rethink things.

[OldVet66]

No cost attached, PM me if you change your mind.

[allojohn]

No cost attached, PM me if you change your mind.

That's impressive and unusual.
I was the grateful recipient of a similar attitude from JJ in FL (Knowyourenemy).

[Flyboy]

That's impressive and unusual.

Mal, not as unusual around here as you may think.

[allojohn]

Mal, not as unusual around here as you may think.

I am happy to hear that Flyboy, very happy. Some of the members of this forum are outstanding people.

[Flyboy]

No question like one big dysfunctional family, there is always a food fight going on in Off Topic, especially if the topic is (R) or (P), but when the chips are down, this GS family has got each others backs.

[2BRacing]

Cowboy

+1 on helpfulness an standing together from many on GSR!

I did not really read and comment on this thread and your previous one on replacing starter brushes because I am not an electrical expert. However, I have been fiddling with auto and bike mechanicals for about 40 years, and your title of "slow cranking" made me curious, and I have now read through both threads.

The fact that your battery is OK and that you have new brushes in the starter, but the starter still cranks over slowly, leads me to think the armature may be "dragging" against the magnets due to a worn bush in the end-cover at one or both ends of the starter. The reason why I say this (and some of the experts on here can correct me on this) is from two of the photos in your earlier thread on the brushes:





In the first photo the shaft just to the left of the splines of the armature seems to show signs of wear (dark lines). In the second photo, the magnets at 3 o'clock and 6 o'clock in the housing seem to show signs of the armature rubbing against them. This would result from a worn bush at that end. As I said, I could be wrong, but I would think that this "dragging" of the armature could be the cause of your slow cranking.

So how to fix this? I would suggest you take up the kind offer of the armature from OldVet66. You already have the new brushes and plate you put in your starter a while back. I would get a new bush at both ends, and then I would also get a new plastic insulator for that bolt through the case at the brush-holder end. You did a great job with the rubber washer and vacuum cap mod, but if something vibrates out of place here, that bolt will short directly to the case and you will have bigger problems.

Drop me a PM with your PayPal account name and I will send you enough to cover the cost of the bushes and insulator.

[OldVet66]

That looks more like a rust stain to me. The surfaces are real close together and any water that got in would leave that typical stain. Wear would be in a rotating pattern. Look at the rust on the case. By the way, I'm sending the plastic bits and O-ring with the brush retainer plate, that is, if I ever get a shipping address.

[rustybronco]

Mal, not as unusual around here as you may think.

Absolutely...

I just received from Ed (nessism) a package containing a H.D. clutch rebuild kit, some de-greaser, various caswell plating chemicals, two zinc plates, a bucket to use for the plating process, plus he paid for the shipping... and He wouldn't let me pay for any of it.

[Flyboy]

What is that saying about "What goes around........"
Worthy winner of the Bard award. is Ned, despite what he may think.

[OldVet66]

The package is in the mail. You can buy me a drink if we ever meet up at a rally, or pass the favor along some day to another GSR member. renobruce very kindly sent me some pilot jets after my debacle With Wired George and his strange carburetor work before I completely got the message "LEARN TO DO YOUR OWN WORK". Good luck on the project, Parts donated by Cara and GBChriss, who are bringing a 550L back to life .

[koolaid_kid]

This is called "Paying it forward". I practice it in my daily life and I am glad to see other GSR members doing the same.

[cableguy]

This thread should go in the "just when you lost faith in humanity" section.

You guys are great for helping him out, and I have no doubt that this will be payed forward when possible.

I don't have a ton of money, plus I'm a cheapa$$, so what I do to help keep the bike fund alive is keeping my eyes peeled for free stuff from garage sale leftovers and Craigslist that are sellable. It can fun to wheel and deal even though it's small time dollars, but those little bits add up to a clutch, stator, chain, even a starter! Plus it's just fun to get free money!

[cowboyup3371]

Oldvet, Cara, and GBChriss, thank you very much and yes, I'll find a way to pay you back some how. I do appreciate the kindness of so many on here. I'll post up the results once the parts get here.

[OldVet66]

You should have it in three or four days, priority mail and you owe nothing in any way shape manner or form. Just carry the spirit of the gesture foreword some day when you can do the same for someone. Besides, It made me feel good to do so.