Triumphrat

LargeWhite · 07-19-2007

Just picked up my first Triumph last weekend. Got a bit overconfident with it and tipped it over in the driveway. Had a couple wires pinch and had to reconnect them in order for the starter switch to operate. Ran very well all day after making the repair. rode in to work with it two days later and it started kinda sluggish. Sounded like a weak battery. After work it seemed even more sluggish, but it fired up. Pulled over to adjust the head light a bit and when I put it in gear it shut down. Would barely turn over. Had to pop start it to make it home. I assumed the battery was at fault and replaced it today without even diagnosing the problem. Put the new battery in today, turned the key, hit the starter and it made a fair attempt at turning over ONCE, but fell right on its face. Now all I get is a CLICK. Starter solenoid clicks when the starter button is pressed and I am getting 12V at the starter when the button is pressed, but no action from the starter whatso ever. Any tests I can do to pinpoint the issue? I am gonna recheck all the wiring repairs I made last weekend, but dont really feel that is the problem. I'll probably pull the starter and take it to get bench tested this weekend. Any pointers or helpful information is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance to any who can shed a little light on my issue.

John

jimmyj900 · 07-19-2007

If you're measuring 12V at the starter terminal and about the same voltage on each of the starter solenoid 'big' terminals when you press the button, then the the starter brushes are worn down and you either need a rebuild or a replacement.

Jim

LargeWhite · 07-19-2007

Where would I find a rebuild kit for this starter? New part from the dealer is well over $500. I guess not all parts are made perfect, but just seems strange for the starter to go out with only 9500 miles. This sucks because I just got the bike and put about 200 miles on it the two days I rode it and really enjoyed it. Now I have to repair it already:-( Thanks for your insight.

zs-cafe · 07-19-2007

9500 is a little low on mileage, but if the bike had a lot of short rides. It is very possible. Also if your carbs are out of whack causing excessive cranking,that will kill brushes in a hurry. My starter died last spring @ 13k I was lucky a found one from a member here cheap rather than shelling out the big bucks at the dealer.

LargeWhite · 07-20-2007

Yanked the starter last night. Took it to the local Autoparts store for a bench test. It was working intermittently. When it wouldnt operate, a slight tap from a hammer while attempting to get it to turn over made it work. Pulled it apart to see if I could clean it up. The one of the brushes was right at the 8mm min. spec and the other was at about 5mm. Lots of carbon dust inside that thing. I dropped it of at a place that rebuilds starters and alternators and the guy told me he would get back to me at the beginning of next week to let me know if he can rebuild it.

LargeWhite · 07-20-2007

It appeared as though this starter does not operate like a starter in a vehicle in that the drive gear does not shoot out to engage the gear inside the motor to turn it over, but is in constant contact with said gear. Does this mean that while the motor is running the starter is constantly turning? Just curious because there seemed to be a lot of wear inside the starter in relation to the brushes and the commutator. Sure hope I can get this rebuilt and dont have to shell out the big bucks for a new part!

WoodsieIII · 07-20-2007

The starter gear runs to a "sprag" or one way clutch, it engages when the starter is in use, and just idles harmlessly when the engine is running, not turing the starter. That is why sometimes when you turn your bike off you will hear a slight starter noise. as the engine stops it sometimes turns backwards( nearly always in my case) and turns the starter a little.

LargeWhite · 07-20-2007

Thanks Woodsie. How would I know if the "sprag" clutch was in need of replacement? Would the starter spin but the motor wouldnt turn over?

jimmyj900 · 07-20-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by LargeWhite

Where would I find a rebuild kit for this starter? New part from the dealer is well over $500. I guess not all parts are made perfect, but just seems strange for the starter to go out with only 9500 miles. This sucks because I just got the bike and put about 200 miles on it the two days I rode it and really enjoyed it. Now I have to repair it already:-( Thanks for your insight.

There are no new starters available except from Triumph, but I've got a 'professionally' rebuilt one for sale. I can also rebuild your current starter if it's rebuildable. E-mail me if you're interested.

As to the '9500 mile starter', the low mileage is a tipoff that the bike probably spent a lot of time parked with fuel in the carbs, stale fuel in the tank and somebody cranked the snot out of it trying to get it started.

With good care and proper starting technique these starters should last quite a while.

Jim