Starter Issues

[Chutem]

Hi. I have an issue with the starter motor for my '93 ABS. I have searched the forums but to no avail. When I press the starter button, sometimes the starter just spins or it may engage for a few seconds & then just disengage & spin (kinda sounds like one of those old Chrysler gear reduction starters from the 70s). Sometimes it spins like normal (10 - 15 sec.). I replaced the original one with a unit from DB Electrical (recommended here by one of the users) & it was good for a while then did the same thing. I called & they sent a replacement but after a few good starts I get the same thing. Is this something other than the starter or do I need to get a real good one (Yamaha - $380) or someone else? Randy doesn't sell them anymore & I am at a loss. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[FJmonkey]

My '86 does this, kind of hit or miss when starting, not very often. It still catches and starts right up after a few stabs at it. The starter seems to be in working order, the starter clutch might be the issue. If you can still get it to start then I don't think you need to split the cases...

[dougrs]

My '89 did this last fall when it started getting colder. I had a heavier 20w-50 oil in it, when I changed to the lighter weight 5w-40 oil, it stopped doing it. It would always start, just took a few tries sometimes.

[Chutem]

Is the problem in the starter clutch? Is this hard to repair?

[FJmonkey]

Is the problem in the starter clutch? Is this hard to repair?

First question to answer is does it happen all the time and are you prevented from starting your bike?

[Chutem]

Eventually I can start the bike, but when I have to stab the button 4 or 5 times & I just get a "whirr" & hope it "catches" is a little disconcerting. After swapping out starters, you begin to wonder can they all be defective?

[oldktmdude]

   Before you do anything else, try using a lighter weight engine oil. I think dougrs is on the right track. Mine has a similar problem when using 20w/50 oil.  Pete.

[Chutem]

I'll give that a try. Why would the lighter grade oil make such a difference?

[dougrs]

I'll give that a try. Why would the lighter grade oil make such a difference?

I would think that it would be easier to turn the engine over with the lighter oil. There is plenty of info on oil out there, but the shell rotella T6 5w-40 is what I am using now.

-Doug

[Chutem]

That's what I thought. Will give it a try. Thanks.

[jscgdunn]

I too have an 86 that does this.  Less so if battery is fully charged and in good shape.

Jeff

[Chutem]

I note it even if the battery is fully charged. I think it probably has to do with the starter clutch, but as long as it finally starts I won't go "internal".

[oldktmdude]

I'll give that a try. Why would the lighter grade oil make such a difference?

It's got to do with the design of the starter clutch. Thicker oil (higher viscosity) stops the starter clutch from throwing out (centrifugal force) far enough to engage the starter gearing. Others may be able to explain this better than me but believe me thicker oil interferes with the clutch workings.  Regards, Pete.

[mr blackstock]

G'day,

Same thing occurs on my '85.  Use a lighter oil and the issue should stop, depending on the wear of your starter chain.

cheers, Gareth

[Chutem]

Makes sense. Thank you all for the info.