The Dreaded Starter Grind

Energy One

LDO

The Cleaner
Troop Supporter
Was looking for advice on this issue. Sometimes when I hit the start button, I get that grinding noise. Hit button again and all is well and bike starts.

Was thinking of cleaning the solenoid contacts and ensuring all my electrical connections are tight (free and easy).

Last time I changed the primary fluid, it was clean and I couldn't see any metal in it so maybe the gears aren't shot.

Any ideas?

Thanx.
 
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LDO

The Cleaner
Troop Supporter
Like gears spinning against each other or disengaging or intermittent engagement?
:D:cheers:
Sorry Dead.

Like two gears grinding against each other.

Really sounds like trying to start a car when the engine is already running...
 
It may only be a power issue like you're thinking. The starter my not be pulling in the jack shaft completely all of the time.
You know the drill, 1) load Test Battery. 2) Check and clean all terminals and "connections" on the bike. If the problem persist, then yes, I'd clean the solenoid contact plate and see if you can check the throw of the jack shaft for free engagement at that time as well. Remember, you "may" need to put it in gear and rotate the rear tire to get the starter gear and the ring gear alinged so that they will mesh properly.

Hopefully not, but if it's a gear engagement problem, you can drain the primary fluid a look for really small bits metal or just drag a magnet through the old fluid and see what it picks up.

Bad jack shaft, bad jack shaft drive gear, bad ring gear, who knows without opening up the primary and taking a look see.

Hope this helps! :2thumbs:

dead, :D:cheers:
 

Five Five

Well-Known Member
LDO...had the same problem with mine...pulled the starter and found the main bearing to be worn out on the starter drive shaft....that sucker had about 0.250" play side to side.
ended up replacing the starter.
 

LDO

The Cleaner
Troop Supporter
LDO...had the same problem with mine...pulled the starter and found the main bearing to be worn out on the starter drive shaft....that sucker had about 0.250" play side to side.
ended up replacing the starter.
Thanks,
I'll keep that in mind.

2003 w 20k miles...shit wears out I guess. What starter did you go with?

I'll ensure the electrical is GTG and then I'll 'escalate' my troubleshooting as required.
 

BikersDream

We build what you Dream!
LDO...had the same problem with mine...pulled the starter and found the main bearing to be worn out on the starter drive shaft....that sucker had about 0.250" play side to side.
ended up replacing the starter.
My bet is here. Starter issue
 

Five Five

Well-Known Member
Thanks,


What starter did you go with?

.
Went with a Big Dog starter, upgraded to 1.8KW for $60.00 (NEW)

I will see if my friend has any more, she bought a whole pallet of them.....I guess they were unclaimed in customs and she got a real good deal on em....
I will send you an e-mail if she has any more.....I want to pick up a spare anyways...
:up:
 

TEXASDOG

TexasDog
Had that same problem on 02 Mastiff and it was the starter clutch. I had the starter rebuilt at local starter shop and it works fine.
 

2004BC

FREEDOM!!!
Went with a Big Dog starter, upgraded to 1.8KW for $60.00 (NEW)

I will see if my friend has any more, she bought a whole pallet of them.....I guess they were unclaimed in customs and she got a real good deal on em....
I will send you an e-mail if she has any more.....I want to pick up a spare anyways...
:up:
If that starter fit a 2004 Ridgeback, 107, I would pick up a spare for that price. Mines starting to take a short push on the starter button to line it up and then a full push to engage and start. PM me if it's a go! Thanks!:cheers:
 

Five Five

Well-Known Member
Went with a Big Dog starter, upgraded to 1.8KW for $60.00 (NEW)

I will see if my friend has any more, she bought a whole pallet of them.....I guess they were unclaimed in customs and she got a real good deal on em....
I will send you an e-mail if she has any more.....I want to pick up a spare anyways...
:up:
**Update**
well some of you are in luck...she has both styles RSD & LSD

e-mail me
bill@myperea.com
 
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