79 GS850 starter help

[Guest]

The starter on my 850 has decided to take a sabbatical.(after 27 years who can blame it)
Went to leave work the other day and the starter barely turned over-had to kick it. Now all I get is a click from the relay. Checked /cleaned connections at battery & relay.Voltage at batt reads 13 +/- not running, 14-14.5 running w/o lights on. Haven't checked specific gravity in battery-no hydrometer
I'm looking for a second(third,fourth??) opinion if the problem is my starter as I suspect. Don't mind kick starting it but at 1 a.m. when I have to go to work esrly it's a real PITA!

Thanks Scott

[beby99]

Try removing starter from bike and hook up to a 12v source. If it turns freely than you got a problem at the solenoid or start button. If no turn than tear into it...probably needs cleaning and brushes.

[jimcor]

Double check that the problem is not your solenoid. If this needs to be replaced get one at a Home Depot or other lawnmower parts outlet from a l+g tractor, for $20.

If the battery and solenoid check out then it's time to remove the starter. Don't know about your 850, but on the 550L that means removing the carbs for clearance. (Or at this time you may choose a life of drunkeness and debauchery as it's a lot more fun and not a bit more soul damning than what you'll get from cursing your carbs, the designers/engineers and Suzuki Inc. :shock: )

When the starter has been removed put some index marks on the body and the starter cap so it is reassembled properly. Use some Goo-Gone, or the like to help disolve the thread locker on the 3 screws holding the starter together. You can chip some of this stuff away if it is visible from the end of the starter opposite to the cap. You might have to use an impact driver to remove the 3 screws, don't mess up the slots. Before removing the contact brush plate add an index mark. You must reassemble this exactly as it is now. If you don't you could have a starter that spins in the wrong direction, in which case it will do nothing but get hot and fry itself when you try to start your engine.

You can buy starter parts from Stocker's Starters and save a few bucks compared to the Genuine Suzuki parts. I did and the quality and service, plus the help from the staff on the phone were top notch. www.stockers.com Their site is also great for a cross reference. I got by with just buying new brushes and springs. If you don't want to fool with soldering buy a new contact plate and brushes.

It's a dirty job, make sure you have plenty of rags, solvent, contact cleaner and hand cleaner, but really not all that difficult. Just be careful when you take the contact plate out of the starter body there are either 2 or 4 springs, depending on the model to contend with. Can you say BOING.

Re-assemble and test. Reinstall starter, carbs etc. and live happily ever after. 8-[

[scotto58]

79 GS850 starter help

Bret;Jim

Thanks for your help. Guess I'll live with it til my next days off then tear into it. I'll keep you posted on how it turns out.

Scott