Triumphrat

Quietsouls · 04-12-2006

Major problem...pulled my S3 outta the garage and went to go start her up and all I got was this spinning sound, like a power drill. I had the starter checked and was told that she was practically brand new. Dunno where to start troubleshooting. Anyone have any ideas?

[ This message was edited by: Quietsouls on 2006-04-12 15:36 ]

monkeyboy · 04-12-2006

Usually the battery is too low to pop the solenoid fully.

Especially if it has been stored for a while. Try a charge.

Quietsouls · 04-12-2006

hmmm...wasn't stored, I road her daily, just started doing that one morning. I checked the battery, everythings lighting up ok...but something is free spinning

zimtok · 04-13-2006

The motor is running but the selenoid is not kicking the gear into the teeth of the flywheel.
Pull the starter and bench check it.

OR

The teeth of the flywheel are gone. (not very likely)

.

Quietsouls · 04-13-2006

Grits teeth and prays that its not that.

93-Daytona · 04-16-2006

Hi Quietsouls, The starter system in your 03 Triple has a very different starter than what you would find in a car. This starter dosn't have a gear that throws into the flywheel as such, no insult to zimtok.
The starter motor drives an idler gear which is in contact with a 'sprag clutch'. The clutch engages when the starter is activated which then turns the engine over. When the engine starts the sprag clutch continues free spinning, and is in constant rotation while the engine is running. Thats the buzzing sound you here when the engine is turned off. The startermotor over-runs slightly and buzzes sometimes, dependant on the position of the crankshaft and the next compression stroke.
What you describe sounds much like the sprag isn't working. In other words, is free spinning when you press the start button.
A quick check as follows:
Remove starter from engine cases. Place your finger into the centre of the idler gear and try to turn it anti-clockwise as you look at it. It should lock when turned clockwise. Unfortunately the sprag clutch is a major to replace. If the free spinning is accompanied with a grating sound the starter drive and/or the idler gear has damaged teeth. They are quite fine, and the starter drive gear is quite small in diameter and subjected to high loading. Either way Quiesouls, will be a bit pricey.

[ This message was edited by: 93-Daytona on 2006-04-16 02:14 ]

parrycm · 04-17-2006

I have to agree that the sprag is a possibility based on the description of the problem. But it's weird that it would fail on an 03 model - all the sprag problems I've heard of were on earlier models when the sprag just wasn't man enough for the job. I had to replace mine, and yes it's engine out and split the crankcases.

But I would have expected some warning signs before complete failure. Did you ever hear a really vicious sounding CLACK when cranking the engine - that would have been the sprag slipping and then catching again. I had that symptom six months before it got to the point where it had to be replaced (by a much stronger unit).

If it does turn out to be the sprag, I would say you have a good case for getting some rhythm from Triumph, on the basis that it's a lifetime part, a recent bike and especially if you can show good service history. I managed to get the part free, and then installed it myself.

I got pictures of the offending part in my album - click on the link under my sign and look in the Workshop album.

Good luck.

zimtok · 04-18-2006

OOPS!!!!
You are correct 93-Daytona, I had my GTO on the brain......

.

93-Daytona · 04-19-2006

I too Chris was stunned at the thought of a late model sprag failure! However I do agree with the thought that it may have been poorly operated during its short life.Not a reflection on you Quietsouls. At some stage the starter may have been 'double pressed' or held in after the engine had started. If this has happened a few too many times small flats may have developed on each of the sprag bearings. While flat they skid around the inner race rather than grip it, which leaves the starter motor free spinning. But what gets me thinking the most is the sudden failure. I would have expected you to have very briefly experienced 'funny' noises from the starter area. The funny noises getting occassionally prolonged as the wear progresses. Almost sounds like a shaft or gear has sheared.
Go with the check on the sprag I suggested earlier Quietsouls, at least then you will have a better idea of what the fault actually is.
Keep us informed, either way, you could fit a GTO starter!! lol zimtok

zimtok · 04-19-2006

Quote:

you could fit a GTO starter!! lol zimtok

Sooooo Funny.......

Next time I fly over/through New Zealand on my way to Aussie land I'll wave.
(no telling how many digits I'll be extending)

LOL :-)

But really,,,, As I get older I don't make any MORE mistakes, I just admit to making them.

Quietsouls,
Take photos of your starter and want you find and post them if you can.

.

[ This message was edited by: zimtok on 2006-04-19 06:56 ]