Starter issues/ Need some help

[jtricer1973]

Hey guys, trying to get my 1980 CB900 Custom running. The starter doesn't turn the motor. I can here the starter spinning( doesn't sound very good) The splines on the end of the starter look good. I popped the side cover and the gear that the starter turns looks to be in good shape too.

I put a ratchet on the bolt that runs through the starter clutch and when I turn it clockwise it turns the motor. If I turn it counter clockwise it seems to engage the gears that turn the starter but doesn't turn the motor. Is this how its supposed to work?

I have pulled the starter(very easy) but haven't taken it apart yet. If there is any way or thing I can check I will take it apart. Any help appreciated.

 

[Yamatech]

First check the simple things, make sure you have a good, fully charged battery. I'd then bench test the starter just to be sure what you're hearing is the gear actually spinning. Put 12 volts to it. Connect a positive wire from your battery to the post and ground your negative on the starter itself. If it spins then you may have to dig deeper, check your one way bearing or starter clutch, whatever you want to call it. Should engage one way and not the other, check for wear spots, any kind of markings that look out of place or if you can feel grooves on your clutch it should be replaced. But I could be totally wrong as I am not looking at the bike but I hope I've helped.

 

[jtricer1973]

I wasn't sure how to bench test the starter so I'll do that. Thanks. And the starter clutch does engage one way and not the other. Really everything looks ok there at least to the eye.

 

[stepka]

I had the same issue with my starter, I just had to clean it. I found this thread with a step by step for cleaning and inspecting the starter ---->http://deuceswild.yuku.com/topic/1224/Starter-Motor-Cleaning-and-Inspection#.T4elF1ES060

 

[crazypj]

It's a problem with the 900.
The starter clutch has a couple of issues, it's not really strong enough.
The roller on the reduction gear gets damaged, the rollers in the clutch get flats on them, the springs and plungers stick and the body cracks
You'll have to pull cover then remove stator to find out exactly whats wrong.
I used to do a lot of them in the mid 80's, generally 2 or 3 a month