I've got an '87 Dresser that won't start, but you knew that already. When I hit the button I get this clacking sound in the primary. I figure it's the starter. Will I need to replace it or can it be "rebuilt", and if so is it worth the expense and/or time? I'm no mechanic but I can read, learn and I'm not afraid to try. Thanks forthe help. Rick

 

Rick

It could be the starter drive also, not necessarily a bad starter itself. Does it sound like a grinding noise when you hit the button?

 

Sorry for the dumb questions, but do you know for a fact that your battery is good? I mean, have you tried jumping it, tried a different battery, had it tested, etc? How about the cables? Clean terminals on both ends, tight, not corroded up the insulation? How about the other wires and connections to the starter? All clean and tight? Any chance the starter bolts have worked loose and the starter is "cocked?"

Is your engine free? Is it really in neutral and not just showing a neutral light? I'd put it in 5th gear and see if I could push the bike and turn over the engine. I'd put it in neutral and make sure the bike pushed easily with no drag from the clutch/engine.

After pushing it in 5th gear and turning the engine over some, I'd try the starter again. Could be bad teeth?

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