I have a 89 FXRS The old starter was giving me problems. It would catch but not turn the motor. Just stop. So I bought a new starter. Just installed it. When I hit the starter button I hear the starter seloniod hit. Then the starter motor just whines. Between the seliniod hitting and the starter motor running, it does not turn my motor at all.

Anyone have this problem? I am thinking bad wires but I wanted other opinions before I just go and start changing things.

I ran a jumper wire from the battery to the selinoid and the starter does the same. Does not turn the Evo motor at all.

 

I would suggest taking off the outer primary and looking at what is happening when you hit the start button.

What I mean is does the starter gear engage the ring gear? Does the ring gear just spin?

That should give you a better idea of what is going on.

 

I had thought about that but was afraid that without the primary cover to support the starter gear I run a chance to break something. Happened on a differant bike to me, lesson learned.

I can see in through the clutch cover. But what is there to see. The starter motor whines.

 

Yes I know you said the starter motor whines but is it even kicking out the starter jack-shaft or just whining and doing nothing?

 

Have you checked to see if you are getting a full 12 volts to the starter?

 

If the starter motor is turning, then the jackshaft has moved outboard (the starter motor will not get power until the solenoid plunger has moved outboard, engaging the pinion gear into the ring gear).

If the starter motor runs but the engine does not turn over, the starter clutch is bad, or the pinion gear has come loose...

 

I hear the starter seloniod kick out then the motor whines, fast.


What starter clutch? The selinoid plunger moves I hear it loudly.

I have the battery on a charger hoping that is the problem but I doubt it. I will check.

The starter is brand new so I am at a loss.

 

Texas and Dan,

Thank you for your help. I found the problem this morning. Got to thinking about it last night and my suspision was confirmed.

When I pulled the old starter I dropped the starter to jackshaft coupler.

Thank again,
Martin

 

If the motor spins, but does not turn the engine, it must be that the starter clutch is not working properly, or the starter is not physically connected to the pinion gear through the jackshaft assembly.

Since it is a new starter, it would be unusual for the starter clutch to be bad (but certainly not impossible).

Double check your starter jackshaft connection to the starter, make sure the coupling is installed in the right direction, inspect all the jackshaft components to be sure it is coupling up to the splines on the starter shaft properly.

Make sure the battery is disconnected when working in there...

Item 34 in this diagram is the starter clutch.

http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche....ARTER-ASSEMBLY

 

Glad you found it. Sometimes taking it appart again is the only way to see what is happening. I am getting pretty good at having to do something twice to get it right.
Now put her back together and go for a ride.