Starter Question

[walker70]

Hi,this is kinda weird,just put my rebuilt starter on about a week ago and all seemed ok until a few days back,when I first turn the bike on the starter just spins the first time then after that cranks as normal every time until I go out to crank it again,does the same thing. ????

[virgilmobile]

The starter does not have a clutch in it.The starter clutch is in the engine.(Sprague clutch)
The fact that the starter spins but doesn't crank the engine leads me to believe that the starter clutch isn't locking in very well.This can be improved by adding seafoam treatment to the oil and then replacing the oil and filter after the cleaning cycle.This treatment usually will clean the area that's gummed up causing the clutch rollers to stick.
There are other methods.A search on this site about Sprague clutch/starter clutch or such should yeild plenty of info.
This not a uncommon problem.

[walker70]

Thanks for the answer,I never would have thought of that,I will try the seafoam and doing an oil change.

[brianinpa]

What oil do you have in the bike right now - Is it a heavier weight oil, and how are the outside air temps? I would definitely go the route of adding some seafoam to the crankcase and then change the oil, but during these colder months, a thinker oil will make that starter clutch slip a lot quicker. During the summer, I use 15W40 but in the fall I change it out to 10W30.

Now if you ever have the motor out of the frame, pull the rear cover off and change the starter clutch spring, cap and roller (4, 5, and 14).

http://shop.westernhonda.com/fiche_sect ... veh=132497

[walker70]

I am running 10w40 right now but will take your advice and try a thinner oil,right now the temps down here in Alabama are in the low 50s in the day and in the 20s at night.

[walker70]

Have to ask,when I change the oil do I use a whole can of seafoam when cleaning out the engine or what.

[DaveO430]

NO, about 1 oz per qt, 4 oz should do fine.

[walker70]

Thanks for the info on this.

[walker70]

Hi the seafoam seems to be doing the trick,it has not been acting wrong since adding the seafoam,fingers crossed.