Starting problem

[mrdmevans]

Ok I have a 78 gs1000 and I have fixed several problems thanks to the boards help, now my next problem is When I try to start it, it started to crank then it stopped trying crank and just started whining.

How can I tell if it is a starter motor or starter clutch problem?](*,)

[rphillips]

Starter clutch. Check to be sure the rotor nut is still tight to spec & the rotor isn't turning on the crank.

[earlfor]

the whining is the starter motor spinning. The problem is the starter clutch.
Possibly spun loose on the crank end. You will need to remove the rotor to access it and you will need a special rotor removal tool. Do NOT attempt to drive the rotor off the shaft. All you will accomplish that way is destroying a
VERY expensive part. You must not strike the rotor with anything. Most likely, all you need to do is loosen and reseat the rotor.

Earl

Ok I have a 78 gs1000 and I have fixed several problems thanks to the boards help, now my next problem is When I try to start it, it started to crank then it stopped trying crank and just started whining.

How can I tell if it is a starter motor or starter clutch problem?](*,)

[RunForYourLife82]

I had the same problem with my fathers GS1100L, the starter motor would spin and the starter clutch wouldn't turn the engine over. I ended up taking the cover off the side of the motor, taking the nut off the crankshaft....and low and behold the rotor/starter clutch came off in my hands without even so much as pulling on it. It had loosened on the crankshaft and wore a groove in the crankshaft where the rotor is pressed onto it. I was at a loss how to fix it untill I finally went to a local automotive repair shop and borrowed a big ass torque wrench. I put loctite on the end of the crank where the rotor sat and convinced it to seat with a deadblow hammer(be VERY careful if you do this, the rotor although seemlingly heavy is actually very brittle.) And putting loctite on the threads of the crank and torquing that nut back on. I don't remember the exact torque spec for the nut...I wanna say 72 foot pounds but you had better do some research. I haven't had a problem with it since and that was last march. The only snag I ran into was getting the cover off that side of the motor. The stator coil is on the inside of the cover and you have to be very gentle in order to get enough slack on the wires going to the coil to get the cover off, you may need to remove the starter motor cover to get yourself enough slack. A rubber mallet also came in useful getting the cover off as the paper gasket acts like cement holding the cover on. Be careful replacing the cover, if you don't get the entire old gasket off and the new one on correctly it WILL leak oil. Believe me, I found out the hard way and I have NO desire to ever have to remove that cover again. I ended up using gasket maker instead of the stock paper gasket. No leaks now and she runs strong. If you have any questions feel free to contact me, Ill do what I can to help you out.

[mrdmevans]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the help. I may get this bike going after all.

[argonsagas]

The main things are all mentioned soi will add some smaller ones

Keep a cereal box handy and draw an outline of the case cover on it. Punch holes to match the cover, and insert the bolts in matching order.

The reason for this is that the bolts are differing lengths, and this saves you getting annoyed at them during reassembly.


When you remove the cover, watch for a small spacer washer that fits on the starter shaft. You need it.

DO remove the starter cover and take all the slack wire needed.

There is very little pressure inside the crannkcase, so you MIGHT be able to re-use the old gasket, provided it comes off undamaged. They may do so if someone had the cover off before you got the bike, and it has not sealed itself into place..

Otherwise, a new gasket is in order.

If you cannot find a new gasket, get another cereal box and carve carefully, using a SHARP knife or razor-knife. Note that a knife with a serrated blade is NOT a sharp knife. The gasket will be narrow in width, and you need a clean cut, which only comes with a clean-edged blade. Mark it off and make the holes before cutting.

[Joe Guilbeau]

The main things are all mentioned soi will add some smaller ones

Keep a cereal box handy and draw an outline of the case cover on it. Punch holes to match the cover, and insert the bolts in matching order.

The reason for this is that the bolts are differing lengths, and this saves you getting annoyed at them during reassembly.


When you remove the cover, watch for a small spacer washer that fits on the starter shaft. You need it.

DO remove the starter cover and take all the slack wire needed.

There is very little pressure inside the crannkcase, so you MIGHT be able to re-use the old gasket, provided it comes off undamaged. They may do so if someone had the cover off before you got the bike, and it has not sealed itself into place..

Otherwise, a new gasket is in order.

If you cannot find a new gasket, get another cereal box and carve carefully, using a SHARP knife or razor-knife. Note that a knife with a serrated blade is NOT a sharp knife. The gasket will be narrow in width, and you need a clean cut, which only comes with a clean-edged blade. Mark it off and make the holes before cutting.

In the message above you state:

"When you remove the cover, watch for a small spacer washer that fits on the starter shaft. You need it."

Where EXACTLY does this shim go?

I opened my Generator Case cover and lo and behold, I sez to myself...

"...Self, where in the world does that washer go..." So it turns out that this is a shim...so where does this shim go. Do I just slide it over the shaft or pin that the starter gear is attached to?

I just don't get it!

[Suzuki mad]

Souns like starter clutch.
Please dont think you can also put a three legged puller on it either. All you will do is distort the magnetic rotor. I know I did it!
Mine took 30 minutes warming up with a hair drier two blokes one each end on a pair of very long poles, one attached to the rotor holder and one attached to a 22mm spanner and T bar. Then it came off.
Whats probably happened is the three 8mm bolts that hold the starter cog to the rotor have snapped. They do on regular occasions.

Suzuki mad
It's warmed up......now it's raining!
1981 GS1000E
1983 GSX1100ESD in a lot of bits.