Electric Starter Problems

[nander]

I am trying to diagnose a problem with my electric starter: sometimes, when I press the starter button all I get is the sound of the starter motor whirring - the engine doesn't turn over. The disengagement is temporary, the electric starter will usually work the next time - after I've kickstarted it. The condition seems to gradually be getting worse.

Anyway, before I start taking things apart, which I know I will eventually have to do, I was hoping to get some idea of what is going on and what the fix is.

Anyone have experience with this problem?

nander

[mike69]

Check your starter drive clutch/rotor. Remove it check condition of rollers and springs.

[e3steve]

Mike's dead right. The clutch rollers and/or springs will be knackered (although it's worth pulling the rotor to see if the 3 rollers / springs / plungers / caves are just crudded). Once the 10.2mm hardened rollers have worn down by about 0.1 - 0.2mm, the clutch will not always engage successfully. Close inspection of each roller will probably reveal a partial circumferential lip at one end.

I got new rollers & springs (my plungers were fine) from Ed at Western Hills Honda parts@westernhillshonda.net , SPRING 28125-253-020, CAP 28126-253-030, ROLLER (10.2X11.5) 91101-377-000. 3 of each.

Plenty of posts here regarding rotor removal & re-installing.

G'luck!

[nander]

Thanks for the help gents.

Good to see that the fix doesn't seem terribly involved...although I have to admit I'm loathe to start messing with it right now as the starter still works most of the time and I have a slew of other basic issues I have yet to resolve like getting the carbs dialed in, fixing a bum fork seal, and replacing the rear brake hub.

Regardless, at least when the day comes that I have to do it, it's great to see for once that the OEM parts I need aren't going to break the bank.

What a great resource this forum is, I tell people it's my Superhawk Support Group!

[e3steve]

I'd be inclined to get the parts on hand sooner rather than later, irrespective of when you get around to tinkering in that location; they may not be available forever!