Re: Tired Starter?

Posted by LukeM on Apr 17, 2011; 1:19am
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Tired-Starter-tp2828220p2829705.html

My new acquisition (84 VT700C) could be push started, but absolutely would not start using the battery.  It would turn for maybe 2-3 seconds before the battery just died.  This is with a brand new 16 amp battery.  I took the starter motor out, and connected it to my son's car with jumper cables.  The case got hot in my hand, and it ground and growled like a big ole bear.  So, I took it apart slowly, and found the wires holding the brushes were all burnt and bare.  Seems there was a good sized short somewhere inside, and this was pulling the battery down.

I found a used starter on EBay, and tested it on my son's car.  What a difference!  Good torque, no complaining sounds, all good.  Bolted it into the bike, got a new gasket for the side cover, and hit the key after the battery was trickle charged overnight.  Vroom!  Started on the first try, after about 3 seconds of cranking.

I think the starter was about $55 including shipping.  Rebuild kits for these starters usually include the brush plate and assembly, new bearings, O rings, and instructions.  Cost is about $25 + shipping.

I'm sure the FSM covers how to rebuild the starter.  Check it out.
Luke M