1980FX Starting Problem
Thread Starter
|
Stage II
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Los Altos
1980FX Starting Problem
Hi,
I'm looking for some advice re my 1980FX Shovel. Sometimes the electric start has no power to crank and then it will crank seconds later or minutes later. Occasionally the starter will "free spin" and then will engage quickly. I've thought the crankshaft might be caught in an in-between position but that's only speculation. Note this is the original starter --32 years old so maybe there's a flat spot on the armature, worn brushes, et al. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.
I'm looking for some advice re my 1980FX Shovel. Sometimes the electric start has no power to crank and then it will crank seconds later or minutes later. Occasionally the starter will "free spin" and then will engage quickly. I've thought the crankshaft might be caught in an in-between position but that's only speculation. Note this is the original starter --32 years old so maybe there's a flat spot on the armature, worn brushes, et al. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 979
Likes: 38
From: new orleans,la
battery going south -- me? i would check all the connections -- also it may be time consuming but -- either get a battery you know is good any try it -- a battery charger that has jump start-- if you have a hot battery and it spins it was the battery -- if not then i would look at a starter going south -- the solenoid can be headed out also... like i have said b4 i use the all ***** starters -- why? for 1 ease of installing and the fact that if i ever have to take it off i dont have to remove the primary -- #2 they only cost in the $175 to $200 range. #3 they sping the engine like an air starter. mines old,old and still on a super cold day and i forgot to take the 70wt oil out it STILL spins the engine... they have them on ebay for $199-- i got mine for $150 but that was a few years back...
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 272
Likes: 1
From: Salem, Oregon
I think you have 2 different problems here. The first one is the starter may need to be rebuilt. You can do it yourself. Your brushes are probably worn out and the armature needs to have the spaces cleaned out where the brushes rub. Pull it apart before you buy parts and make sure, but if it hasn't been done, you will need to do it. It could also be a problem with the starter relay.
Second, it sounds like your bendix gear drive is goin out which is why the starter sometimes just spins without engaging. BTW, the nut that holds the bendix gear drive to the jack shaft is left hand thread. You'll want to do this while you have the starter out, starter housing removed and primary cover off. That will make it alot easier!
You can replace your starter solenoid if you want to but I dont think that is the problem. If you want to check it out, take it apart and look at the large copper washer inside it. If there are alot of burn and arcing marks on it take it out and turn it over. You'll get several more years out of it that way. That is assuming someone hasn't done that already! Be carefull as you take the cover off as it will crack easily.
I would start with the easiest and cheapest. Make sure you read your manual before you start taking **** apart!!
Good Luck,
jim
Second, it sounds like your bendix gear drive is goin out which is why the starter sometimes just spins without engaging. BTW, the nut that holds the bendix gear drive to the jack shaft is left hand thread. You'll want to do this while you have the starter out, starter housing removed and primary cover off. That will make it alot easier!
You can replace your starter solenoid if you want to but I dont think that is the problem. If you want to check it out, take it apart and look at the large copper washer inside it. If there are alot of burn and arcing marks on it take it out and turn it over. You'll get several more years out of it that way. That is assuming someone hasn't done that already! Be carefull as you take the cover off as it will crack easily.
I would start with the easiest and cheapest. Make sure you read your manual before you start taking **** apart!!
Good Luck,
jim
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
