1998 Valk Standard Starter Install

[jbrew1]

Hello,

I looked around and couldn't find anything on this forum about installing a starter So if I am posting something that's been talked about please point me in the right direction.  I read one post stating that it has to be installed by a professional shop??  I glanced at my manual and it doesn't look to hard.  I have a new aftermarket starter on it's way.  Does anyone have any advice that might not be in the manual,  I've replace a couple Honda and Harley engines in my day, I am in no means a mechanic I just read the manual and take my time, so the starter seems pretty straight forward.

Any advice will be appreciated

Jack

[gordonv]

No, no professional required. If they can do it, you can do it. It's the alternator that is a b@#$% to install. They will just charge you $ to do it.

[John Schmidt]

Just curious, how come a replacement starter? Don't think I've ever heard of one going bad. Hope it's not a hydrolock problem and you're mistaking it for a bad starter.

[hubcapsc]

It is easy and straightforward except for the part where its FRIGGING IMPOSSIBLE
to get it in and out of there... probably harder than an alternator... The place where the big
hot-wire hooks to it has two nuts locked together holding the wire on. Two low-profile
nuts. I didn't have a low profile wrench that would hold the lower nut while I
loosened the top one, so I just tried to turn the top one. Instead of loosening
the nuts, the bolt-head spun inside of its plastic holder inside of the starter.
It ruined the starter, the plastic part is about the only part inside the starter
that isn't sold separately. If you can't find a low profile wrench, use your power sander
or grinder or something and make a low profile wrench out of a cheap
wrench.

I took mine out because I wanted to paint it.

-Mike

[fudgie]

Under the right side cover it comes out. You have to move all the wiring to give you enough room. It is a pain.

[old2soon]

Just curious, how come a replacement starter? Don't think I've ever heard of one going bad. Hope it's not a hydrolock problem and you're mistaking it for a bad starter.

        John brings up a cursed good point. Mine is in the 100 grand club with the original starter. Lotsa folks here with way more miles than I've got-200 grand 300 grand and YES 400 grand on the original starter. NOT tellin ya what to do but a second set of eyes MIGHT come in handy.  RIDE SAFE.

[jbrew1]

John,Old2soon
I was at my wits end!!  I keep getting the loud noise in the relay (click click) I replace the starter button, well the whole assembly, I replaced the relay, I checked all wires for solid connectivity, the bike would start like a dream then a week later click click, I left it one day when it just clicked came back home a month later didn't do anything to it and it started right up every day for a couple weeks, then one morning click click, I put it in gear and rocked it backwards twice and hit the starter and started right up, got the click again, rocked it backwards and tried to start it, but this time the starter started spinning after it made a loud clank noise, I left it alone a week later got curious, click click so I figure get a new starter??
Note: I also replace the battery, I tested it at a shop for load as well all checked out fine.

Jack

[old2soon]

John,Old2soon
I was at my wits end!!  I keep getting the loud noise in the relay (click click) I replace the starter button, well the whole assembly, I replaced the relay, I checked all wires for solid connectivity, the bike would start like a dream then a week later click click, I left it one day when it just clicked came back home a month later didn't do anything to it and it started right up every day for a couple weeks, then one morning click click, I put it in gear and rocked it backwards twice and hit the starter and started right up, got the click again, rocked it backwards and tried to start it, but this time the starter started spinning after it made a loud clank noise, I left it alone a week later got curious, click click so I figure get a new starter??
Note: I also replace the battery, I tested it at a shop for load as well all checked out fine.

Jack

          After that clank-read up on hydro lock. I COULD be wrong but read up on it anywho. RIDE SAFE.

[John Schmidt]

If it has some busted teeth and stops at that spot, the starter could spin and not engage until you rock it like described. Get it past that point and the starter teeth engage again. Get a flashlight and after pulling the starter, take a look in the hole to check for missing teeth. Should be real obvious, not hard to see. If that's the problem, then out comes the engine for repairs.

[gordonv]

Scroll down to the pics of the gears missing the teeth.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,70846.0.html

[jbrew1]

Ok I finally had a chance to pull the starter today!  Wow that was pretty easy,  I hope I pulled the right part LOL.  I took 3 picks and uploaded them to photo bucket but not sure how to link them here, so I will read up and try to link them for you all to see.  I didn't see any broken teeth!! I haven't yet read on the hydro-lock scenario yet, If I get that clicking noise that wouldn't be any indicator of a hydro-lock right? 

Thanks for all the advice!

Jack

[da prez]

On the front is the timing belt cover. Remove the center cover three allen screws (5mm) and pull the spark plugs . Put a socket (do not remember the size) on the nut under the center cover and see if the engine will turn over. If it turns over , and no liquid leaks out , then recheck the gears like was suggested. If all is good , re-install starter , but leave the plugs out until you figure out the problem.
  Do not overlook the engine grounds. Bench test the starter.

                              da prez

[jbrew1]

[gordonv]

To me, the clicking is the relay energizing. Power being applied to the relay for the solenoid to click.

If the starter is not turning, then there is no power going through the relay.

I would first apply a known charged battery with jumpers to the bikes battery, and move on from there.

[John Schmidt]

The missing teeth won't be on the starter, they will be in the engine in the hole the starter came out of.

To post from Photobucket, you don't copy/paste the links. When looking at a folder with all the pictures,  when you put your cursor on a picture, in the upper right corner you'll see a little gear looking icon. Put the cursor on it and you get a new small box. In that box click on Share the link or similar. Another box opens and click on the very bottom one. It will say Copied and return to the original entry. Then all you have to do is go here on the board and place the cursor where you want the picture to be and click paste. The picture will appear when you go to Preview. When you Post, it doesn't show the link, it shows the picture.