Inspecting Starter motor life

[Guest]

I currently have my carbs out and rebuilding them. I figured since I have access to the starter motor, I should check the life of it. Before I winterized it, the bike started fine. I just would like to make sure it's working 100%.

What is the procedure to test starter motor?

[Redman]

A functional test is the best, by that I mean, does it turn the engine as well as it should.

THe service manual doesnt state any test, but from my industrial expereince I can say: Any kind of bench test is difficult, would have to put a mechanical load on it, and measure the amp draw and the speed. (all of which I could not specify)

Maybe best thing to do would be to remove the starter, take the end off of it and check to see how worn short the brushes are, and replace the brushes.
Before you can replace the brushes, or have a set on hand, you will need to know if the starter is a Nipondenso (2 brush) or a Matushi(?)Mitsuba(?) (4 brush).
That would be the least cost option (~$25). Other option if not too concenred about expenditure is to get a rebuilt starter ($150).

Look at Stocker Starters website.,

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[Downs]

If you're really concerned take it out and take it to a starter/alternator shop and have them go though it. SHould be pretty cheap. Assuming you have one in your area they are becoming rare as hen's teeth.

[Nessism]

Crack it open and check it out. They are very simple devices. I recently went through mine and it's running better than ever. All it needed was some cleanup.

[posplayr]

Crack it open and check it out. They are very simple devices. I recently went through mine and it's running better than ever. All it needed was some cleanup.

I would also add a set of brushes while I'm in there. If the commutator is really bad (worn), you can use a file to square it up. Look for a Youtube video.

Just cleaning the inside and greasing the end bushings will help.

[TyeGuy]

I would also add a set of brushes while I'm in there. If the commutator is really bad (worn), you can use a file to square it up. Look for a Youtube video.

Just cleaning the inside and greasing the end bushings will help.

awesome! I'll break into it tomorrow. I know the starter does will, but this will ensure that its working 100%.
If I wanted to do this at a later time, I can't take it out with the carbs installed correct? I think the starter motor cover gets in the way, and the starter is impossible to lift out.

[posplayr]

awesome! I'll break into it tomorrow. I know the starter does will, but this will ensure that its working 100%.
If I wanted to do this at a later time, I can't take it out with the carbs installed correct? I think the starter motor cover gets in the way, and the starter is impossible to lift out.

Probably pretty hard to get out with carbs installed.

There is something else you will probably run into. The neck of the starter has a large o-ring around it. You can get one from the kets at Harbor fright, or just order one from the dealer. Make sure to grease it when you put it in. If you cut it then engine oil will run past and be on your left foot from a mysterious hole at the lower bottom of the starter cavity (hidden by the left side counter sprocket cover)