GL1000 won't start, smoke from starter?

[jagr68]

Hi guys,

Just bought a 76 GL1000 with 28,000 miles from a guy.
The bike wouldn't start so, I replaced the battery.
It started one time and since then, it doesn't crank and I noticed a small amount of smoke coming from the motor in front of the gear
shift where the wire goes into what I'm guessing is the starter motor.

If it's the starter, can I replace that by myself?
My local dealer wants $486.00 for a starter and I can get them online for less than $200.00

Thanks

[jagr68]

Maybe I just need to take the starter apart and clean it?

[virgilmobile]

First...Nice bike....second...the starter is over 30 years old..fourth....if your planning to replace the started then why not rip that old one off and see what you can do with it?
There is a "how to " rebuild your starter on this site and R & R isn't too bad of a job.Give it a go.It don't work now,so how much worse can it get .
If you get stuck,just post,we can help.
Also beware of replacement starters,I've heard horror stories about them using plastic parts in them and wrong sprockets.
I'd rather hear that you found a used one than a rebuilt Taiwan one from Saber Cycle that lasted 3 days.

[jagr68]

Thanks for the reply. I'll give it a go.

[virgilmobile]

One other thing.Please do not assume that the starter is it's only problem.Kick start it,or at least roll the engine over to be sure it's not hydro locked .Keep in mind it will need a full 'going over'...TIMING BELTS...got to replace them.Then the basics,oil,carb fixing and syncing,points...The check list goes on and on.

[jagr68]

Will do.

I'm sure I'm going to be spending a lot of time working on this bike.

[virgilmobile]

And if you get all the pieces set right,the bike will near rip your arm off .My 78 literally would stand up on one wheel and bark.
The 2 best add on's were electronic ignition and a electric fuel pump. Made a great difference in starting and running.

[Fred Camper]

A starter rebuild can often result in just a cleaning, as these starters are pretty strong but do "carbon up" and loose power over time. A cleaning often returns them to origional cranking speed. Always worth the effort and the method written up on this site is the best.