'78 550 Electric Starter

[Guest]

Engine starts fine with kick starter. Electric starter button gives a click, the nothing. If I gently rotate engine with kick starter one or two partial revolutions, the starter button will work like a new bike. I can kick start it all day long, would like to make the electric starter work too.

[rphillips]

Sounds like time for a good starter cleaning, & brushes while you're in there.

[kalessin]

While we're here, how does one "clean" a starter motor? Remove, open the case, and wipe away grease and gunk? Is there more?

[rphillips]

I use starting fluid, then carb cleaner, & then WD-40. Take it apart, then spray, flush, & wipe. Mainly what is in there is carbon build-up.

[jimcor]

I would definetely go for new brushes and springs if I was going to go through the hassle of taking the starter off and cleaning it. I got my parts from Stocker's Starters. Lots of guys have purchased parts from them at:
www.stockers.com

Be careful everthing is aligned properly on reassembly. To make sure of this make a mark on the outside of the starter body and the breaker plate when you disassemble the motor.

[ScottHarriss]

Thanks to all. I'll report the results. Hmmm, new parts. Well, you're the one wanted that old bike! Was not. Were too! Oh, yeah. So I was.

Might be a while, though. Looks like you have to remove the carburetors to get to it. Does anyone know how to tell whether it is going to be Denso or Mitsuba without going in?

Kick starting is so much more manly. Don't you think?

[rphillips]

Shouldn't need to pull the carbs to get to it, I know you don't on the 750's, 1000's, 1100's, & 1150's

[jimcor]

Shouldn't need to pull the carbs to get to it, I know you don't on the 750's, 1000's, 1100's, & 1150's

Unfortunately on the 550 8 valve engine you do. There is just no room with the carbs on.

[Nerobro]

Oh I dunno. I think i can get my starter out without pulling the carbs. NOt that it would be all that easy... you'd need some low profile tools to do it. But I"m sure it could be done.

[jimcor]

Oh I dunno. I think i can get my starter out without pulling the carbs. NOt that it would be all that easy... you'd need some low profile tools to do it. But I"m sure it could be done.

I dunno 'bout that. I don't think there is enough clearance between the case and carbs to work the starter out of the cavity it sits in.

[AOD]

I have a 550 starter in a box in my garage, if it comes down to needing to be replaced. It's an original unit, sold to me in working condition.

~Adam

[ScottHarriss]

Thanks Adam, I appreciate the offer. As a mechanic, I'm just a dumb old COBOL programmer. But over the years, I have cleaned/rebuilt starter motors for a 64 VW, a 70 Camaro, and 73 Dodge. However, I may or may not be up to the GS550 starter, but it will have to wait for crummy weather. It's spring in Atlanta, and the kick starter still works just fine.:-D