Electric Starter Savings

 
  The plated 2001 KTM 520EXC Racing (that I got to replace the dual
sport WR250R) began to have starter problems about a month ago. I
still didn't have the Flatland radiator guards installed, so I put off
serious diagnosis.
   Instead, I bought a new battery, figuring that the old one was just
weak.  It still didn't turn over the engine every time I pushed the
button, and when it did, the roll-over was slow.

   So, having now installed the radiator guards, I looked at things
more critically. Reggie tells me to "watch this" and taps on the
starter with a wrench. Then, when he pushed the button, the starter
rolled the engine.
   Next push of the button, no movement.  Another couple of taps, the
engine rolls over at the push of the button.
  He said, "See now?"

   Pulling the starter, we found that the sealing o-ring was
protruding on the bottom (as the starter is mounted) and ugly dirty
oily stuff was leaking out.  
  
  Time for starter  repair.

  I called my friendly KTM parts guy, Dave at Kawasaki Sports Center
in Little Rock.  (Dave if friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful; and
gives me an Arkansas Dirt Riders' discount.)
  He said that  KTM has no rebuild kit for sale. New starter retails
for around $275. My cost would be $200 plus tax.

  I then called my old standby, who I has been supplying most of my
(and my former customers') starters for close to 20 years, Stocker's
Starters.   http://www.stockers.com/
They recently were purchased by an electric parts company in Logan,
WV. (I found this out a couple of months ago, when I purchased a new
starter for the '81 Yamaha XV920RH that lowercase john so graciously
helped me get in my bike stable. Thanks again, john!)

  Stockers sells the same starters as KTM, but gets them direct from
the manufacturer. Their web site doesn't list anything earlier than
2003, but I cross referenced the parts numbers before I had called
Dave, so was for armed with a bit of knowledge before I checked out
Stocker's web site. The same KTM part number is used on all the 450
and 510cc electric starters, starting at least in 2001.

  Stocker's had a rebuild kit, but said that it might not fit my
starter, depending on the year it was made.  I may try that later,
just to have a spare starter, if I really like the bike.
 New starter from them shows retail at $195.
  Stocker's selling price is $130.
   http://www.stockers.com/index.php?oc=1
 (They also carry a starter for the KTM 2-strokes.)
  My new starter should be here by tomorrow.

   If you are in the market for a new electric starter, and don't like
prices from where you ask, you might try Stocker's Starters.
They have saved me money  many times, so I thought I'd pass this along
to ya'll, just in case.

Good Riding!
Jim

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                Jim
           Gas Gas DE300
         Spanish Delicacy

 Wudsracer diagnoses:

[mucho deleto]


Logan as in the heart of Hatfield McCoy trail system?

You should pick it up in person.  I've got a near new CRF250 I'll bring
to meet you and ride.


Go fast. Take chances.
Mike S.

 

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  It came in this afternoon.

  I still might make it to HM to ride this year. If so, I'll let you,
and a few others, know in advance.

Good Riding!
Jim

.



                Jim
           Gas Gas DE300
         Spanish Delicacy