syscrusher Posted August 30, 2013 #1 Posted August 30, 2013 The thread about a 4 brush starter got me thinking but I decided I should start a different thread since my problem seems different. It sounds like the starter teeth just aren't meshing but it has only done this when the engine is warmed up at least somewhat. Very loud gnashing sound, can this be fixed with just a new starter or does it get worse than that?
MiCarl Posted August 30, 2013 #2 Posted August 30, 2013 The thread about a 4 brush starter got me thinking but I decided I should start a different thread since my problem seems different. It sounds like the starter teeth just aren't meshing but it has only done this when the engine is warmed up at least somewhat. Very loud gnashing sound, can this be fixed with just a new starter or does it get worse than that? I suspect you are hearing a failing starter clutch. When the oil is hot it's slipperier and the clutch is more noticeable. The starter clutch isn't part of the starter assembly - it sits behind the alternator rotor.
Flyinfool Posted August 30, 2013 #3 Posted August 30, 2013 When the starter clutch is going, it does not sound so much like grinding. It sounds more like there is someone inside the engine with a hammer trying to get out. Lots of banging noise. The options are to replace with stock parts every few years or contact Dano for his upgraded starter clutch.
Huggy Posted August 30, 2013 #4 Posted August 30, 2013 When the starter clutch is going, it does not sound so much like grinding. It sounds more like there is someone inside the engine with a hammer trying to get out. Lots of banging noise. The options are to replace with stock parts every few years or contact Dano for his upgraded starter clutch. My 86 VR did that when I first tried starting it after it sat for 11 years. But once I got it started it did not do it again should I be worried or do you think that It was due to being a little dry from the long sleep. My thinking it's the result of the long period it sat.
Yammer Dan Posted August 30, 2013 #5 Posted August 30, 2013 My 86 does it every so often. Can't predict it. Just telling me to be ready I guess.
Snaggletooth Posted August 30, 2013 #6 Posted August 30, 2013 Agreed on the starter engage clutch. Sounds like everything is coming apart when it starts to fail. You have to understand that entire assembly depends on three roller bearings held on place by ball point pen springs and they bind against the boss on the 72 tooth ring gbody ear when you crank the motor.. when they bounce they make all kinds of evil noise. More than likely you will eventually find the engage body cracked or broken.. i had two fail. I was one of the first ones to install Dano's modified engage. Not one regret since. Its well worth the few Extra bucks cost over the OEM engage and fixed the problem forever. Run a search on Dano's engage clutch mod and check it out. He machines the OEM rotor, added his engage clutch and a new different 72 tooth ring gear and gaskets. From my Droid wherever I may happen to be at any given moment.
syscrusher Posted August 30, 2013 Author #7 Posted August 30, 2013 It sounds like it requires major surgery. How long before I'm push starting it and how bad is it to replace required parts? It sounds expensive too, is it?
MiCarl Posted August 30, 2013 #8 Posted August 30, 2013 Mine has been doing it for quite some time with no change. Still, I expect to have to push start one day........
icebrrg3rd Posted August 30, 2013 #9 Posted August 30, 2013 The last few days my starter clutch noise has been getting louder & more frequent, this morning it made a loud noise and now I can only hear the solenoid clicking but no engine rotation. Guess I'll be popping the cover open this weekend. I have a good stock one from my old motor, but I will be ordering a Dano one in the near future... Sucks cause I had to cage it to work this morning, and my in-laws garage that I borrow to do vehicle work is filled up with a partially dis-assembled Chevy Blazer up on jack stands. Hopefully the flywheel pops off w/o too much drama. -Andrew
syscrusher Posted August 31, 2013 Author #10 Posted August 31, 2013 Starter Clutch Mod link and Freebird's entry in the 1st Gen Tech Library are what you need. Sorry to hear that you have to do this repair. I don't want to do it and today I heard no rude noises coming from my starter area so maybe I won't have to for a while.
icebrrg3rd Posted September 3, 2013 #11 Posted September 3, 2013 Thanks for the link, but I already have Dano's thread bookmarked. I've already been inside the motor once before, but since you can't tell if it's broken w/o removing it, I left the "new" starter clutch on when I put the replacement motor in my bike. My original one is still in good condition, so that's what I'll be swapping in. I'll order Dano's when I get a few more spare bucks... -Andrew
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