[dano955]

i ask about this several months ago-i got side tracked an ready to ride. when i hit the starter button on my 85 interstatit only spins-after maybe 5 or 6 times it will start-i put some seafoam like i was advised, but only able to let it run for an hour. i change the oil and done it again-run about an hour--this started to happen when i rebuild my starter--my question is the guy who rebuild the starter left those 2 thins washer on the ampture off-would that cause starter not to engage

 

[BenMC]

I don't understand your question. Are you saying the starter spins normally but the engine won't start, or the starter spins 5 or 6 times before it starts?

 

[dano955]

when i try to start engine the starter will only spin and not engage-when it is cold it will engage 5th or 6th time i try it-after the engine get hot the starter will only spin like a whinning noise-i

 

[newday777]

Most of the time it's from using the wrong oil and the sprag clutch doesn't operate. Did you put in Delo400LE 15w40?

When doing the Seafoam oil treatment, 'running an hour' as in idling? It takes riding the bike for 200-300 miles to get the oil and gunk real hot to clean out the gunk in the crankcase and then change the oil and filter while the oil is still hot to drain out the gunk while it's still suspended in the oil.

 

[newday777]

And yes if the shims were not put back in correctly can effect the working of the starter. But the oil answer first.


This should have been added as a reply to your other post on this that all info is present as to what has been done. Keeps the confusion down and double writing of instructions.

 

[duncan427]

Most of the time it's from using the wrong oil and the sprag clutch doesn't operate. Did you put in Delo400LE 15w40?

When doing the Seafoam oil treatment, 'running an hour' as in idling? It takes riding the bike for 200-300 miles to get the oil and gunk real hot to clean out the gunk in the crankcase and then change the oil and filter while the oil is still hot to drain out the gunk while it's still suspended in the oil.

Greetings! Say, was checking in about the non-starter issue also. Lately, following an oil change on my 1200, my starter also just spins a couple times then catches and off we go! I recently changed from one full synthetic oil to Mobil 1 synthetic. You said something about the 'sprag clutch' and I don't know what that is. Anyway, is it possibly just a problem that is an oil change away? Delo, was it?

 

[jdvorchak]

The problem is you don't ride it enough. That starter problem is because the oil has gummed up the sprague clutch and won't let the little dowels move freely. If the bike has been sitting for a year or so putting seafoam in the oil and running it for an hour won't do a thing. You can leave the seafoam in there for 500 to 1000 miles if you use the manufactures recommend mixture. Only after about 500 or so miles will the insides of the engine be clean enough to get things working as they should.

 

[86mninterstate]

the starter has a small chain sprocket on the output shaft (when the started is installed in the engine) and that chain drives another sprocket that it attached to the sprage clutch. The sprague clutch is simply a one way clutch that has spring loaded rollers (3 i believe) that have tapered ramps. when the started turns the chain and sprockets the inner portion of the sprague clutch. This forces the rollers, with the help of the springs, down the ramps and they tighten around the sprocket. this makes the started tied to the engine rotating mass (specifically the rotor) Once the engine starts the rotor turns faster than the started and clutch releases. WHEW!!
Now in this case, the rollers are sticky from oil that has dried partially or has gummed up around the sprague rollers. Seafoam will help this as well as the detergents in fresh oil and engine heat. The unfortunate part of this is that oil in that part of the engine is only delivered by splash lubrication. This is the reason that it takes many miles and heat to break up this residue.
I hope this help explaine your issues.