Starter Motor

 I realized I just responded to the earlier author and didn't post.. So
here goes:

I have a 2003 Triumph Speedmaser and I'm having a similar problem,
unfortunately. There are only 2000 miles on the bike, which makes me
very concerned, especially since I bought it used.

In any event, I stalled at a light, and when re-starting, all I get is
a whirring sound from the motor and can hear nothing coming from the
engine at all, as if it's totally disconnected.

FB indicated that this is a problem with a starter clutch and that
it's rather expensive and difficult to repair. Can anyone confirm that
this is a problem with newer Triumph models, as well? I would like to
fix this on my own if possible but if it will take more than opening
up the starter motor, then I think I'll have to get it bump started
and get it over to the dealership and yell at them.

To recap: Plenty of gas, batteries function, no fuses are blown, good
oil level. Motor spins at and apparent high speed and has a
"whirrrrrr!" sound, but nothing coming from motor. I can hear,
however, a single click coming from the gearbox when I hit the start
button. Repositioning the bike has no effect - the engine does not
seem to catch at all.

Please help!

 

sirrix wrote:


It requires removing the engine and splitting the crankcases on some models,
but not others. You're lucky. Your engine is designed more logically.


It would involve removing the alternator cover and the nut holding the
alternator rotor on. Then the alternator rotor can be removed with a special
tool, and the outer ring of the starter clutch can then be unbolted from the
back of the rotor.

Then, say hello to the weird little Sprag clutch...

It is the dingus that looks like a bearing but it isn't, the rollers don't
roll, they slip until the starter motor turns the starter clutch.

The problem with a Sprag clutch is that the damned thing is wearing 100% the
time, even though you only use it to start the engine about 1% of the time.

Stupid design, if you ask me. A bearing with egg-shaped rollers. Who would
imagine such a thing? Some cockamamie Limey engineer...

http://www.bikebandit.com/partsbandit/showschematic.asp?dept_id"91832

Item #4 is the starter clutch assembly. #5 bolts hold it to the back of the
alternator rotor. If the bolts are broken, you must use the correct part
number high strength bolts, utility grade bolts won't work.

http://www.bikebandit.com/partsbandit/showschematic.asp?dept_id"91831

--
Message posted via MotorcycleKB.com
http://www.motorcyclekb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx/bike/200707/1

 

wrote:

What is the special tool that I need to remove the alternator rotor?

I see the sprag clutch in the first schematic that you posted, but
can't figure out what you were referring to in the 2d schematic:


I can see that the Spragg assembly is listed as costing $231.13. Is
this website the best place to buy these kind of parts? Also, the bike
only has 2000 miles on it - does this seem like something that could
even possibly happen at 2000 miles?? It makes me think that perhaps
the previous owner or the dealship replaced the odometer or unplugged
it while riding... I have no idea how I can prove that,
unfortunately... Thoughts?

 

sirrix wrote:


Look at Service Tools.

7: PULLER, ALTERNATOR *BONNEVILLE
ALTERNATOR,C 5577967-001  $55.04

This is probably the same tool that is used for the Speedmaster's rotor. The
Speedmaster's rotor would be balanced differently because of the 270 degree
crankshaft.

Check it further before ordering one. I bought a similar rotor puller for a
Suzuki and used it about twice in 20 years.


It shows the permanent magnet alternator rotor. The outer sleeve of the Sprag
clutch
bolts to the backside of that rotor with specially hardened bolts.

If all five or six bolts have loosened up and then sheared off, the starter
will spin the Sprag clutch, but won't
crank the engine.

Owners of Suzuki GS-series bikes would install new bolts and then have the
ends helicarc weld to
the rotor.


The best place to buy the Sprag clutch would be directly from Hinkley's
supplier,
but motorcycle owners are doomed to be victims of their own lack of knowledge
about where to get parts from. You sort of stuck with Triumph's part system
if you
cannot gain knowledge from the Triumph experts, and how are the experts going
to make money off you if they tell you the cheapest way to go?


could

From your description, you said you hear a single click and then the starter
spins
without cranking the engine. The Sprag clutch is bolted to the alternator
rotor, which is bolted to
the crankshaft. The two gears in the first drawing only turn when the starter
turns, then
they sit there motionless.

That big gear with the ten holes in it is an idler gear that sits motionless
on the crankshaft while the engine is turning 9000 RPM. It has to get
lubricating oil pressure from the oil gallery.

If it doesn't get enough oil, it can flop around on the crankshaft, but it
would be very noisy at low RPM.


It doesn't matter how many miles a motorcycle has on it, if the 12 months
warranty has expired.

--
Message posted via http://www.motorcyclekb.com

 

So.. after bitching about this problem with the dealership (I bought
this bike about 2 months ago) they agreed to pick it up for free and
take it over there as there are no hills near me and I was having
trouble bump starting it cold.

They told me that the problem ended up being some pin in the crankcase
that broke, and that the pin then ricocheted all over the crank case
and that I need a new one.

They claim everything's under warranty, but that it will take about a
month to do all of the repairs.

Does this sound right? Do you think this will just happen again if
they don't replace the sprag clutch?