Starter

[muscrat]

I think my starter puked. Just spins, won't seem to engage. If it turns out to be that is a rebuild the way to go and how common is this on the 97 Valk. Not too interested in buying a used one. Thanks all.

Ken in Southern Ontario, Can

First off, want to thank everyone who has sent feed back re my starter problem, my wrencher just picked my bike up late yesterday and  will look into things asap. However from the info and descriptions posted so far I'm expecting the worst (definitely isn't a battery problem) . So while I'm waiting for the diagnosis just checking to see who may have engines for sale, prefer a 97 lower mileage or  one  that has been rebuilt with a few extra ponies. Thanks all, going through withdrawals already, lol

[Valkpilot]

I think my starter puked. Just spins, won't seem to engage. If it turns out to be that is a rebuild the way to go and how common is this on the 97 Valk. Not too interested in buying a used one. Thanks all.

Ken in Southern Ontario, Can

Pretty unusual, actually. 

Spinning but not firing is often a symptom of a battery going (or gone) bad.

Check your battery (have it load tested at an auto parts store.)  You can also put a voltage meter on it and if it drops below 11 volts when you press the starter, then it will probably fail the load test.

[gordonv]

Hi Ken, you may wish to start by placing your location information within your online profile, for all to see all the time.

As for the starter. They are fairly bullet proof, and my first thought would be that you had hydro lock and broke all your starter gears on the motor.

Do a search in the Tech section for hydro lock. Here is one that still has a picture.

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

I would remove the starter motor, and inspect inside the motor.

[DeathWishBikerDude]

Never had starter problems,but I'd remove it and take it to a local shop for rebuild.Much cheaper than buying a new starter..what's the new one list for?

[DeathWishBikerDude]

Just remove the plugs and check for fuel inside cylinders,to test for hydro lock.

[Hook#3287]

Like the others stated, the Valk's starter is almost bulletproof.

It's the only electrical part I'd consider buying used.

You can get them off eBay for as low as $25 or as high as $250.  (The $250 ones owner must feel their made of gold)

I'd Pull the starter, look for gear damage, hopefully none, then bench test the starter.

Replacement parts are available, but having a spare to put in, gives you the bike back sooner with a backup starter you'll probably never need, if you rebuild it

[Chrisj CMA]

Jump to your car.  After it starts right up go get a new battery, make sure it's fully charged before installing.

[indybobm]

Please explain what you men by 'not engaging'. Is the starter running and not turning over the engine? Or is the motor turning over but not starting?

[John Schmidt]

If you jump it from your car, don't have the car running. My guess is at some point a hydrolock was experienced and you or prior owner kept pressing the start button, thereby shearing some teeth. If you happen to have the engine stopped at just the right spot where the teeth are sheared, the starter won't engage....just spin. You might try putting the bike in 3rd or 4th gear, key off, get the bike rolling good then pop the clutch so as to turn the engine over slightly. That might move it enough past the point where gear teeth are possibly broken off, thereby allowing the starter to mesh for a moment. If that works, then you know you have busted teeth and it's time to pull the engine.

[gordonv]

I think my starter puked. Just spins, won't seem to engage

You state that it spins (I take it you can hear it running), but the motor isn't turning over.

The starter motor is a direct drive, that is ALWAYS engaged to the gears in the engine. It does NOT use a "bendix" or solenoid to fire the starter gears into contact with the engine fly wheel, like a car does. It's ALWAYS engaged! (YES, I said this twice).

If you are sure that the starter is turning, but the motor is NOT, then do as I first said. ANYTHING else is a waste of time.

Unless what you did write, isn't what is happening. If not, then you need to clarify.

[Chrisj CMA]

The first time I had a battery go south it did SOUND like the starter was free spinning.  It was just that the motor was turning over quickly with no spark

[gordonv]

The first time I had a battery go south it did SOUND like the starter was free spinning.  It was just that the motor was turning over quickly with no spark

OK, makes sense. But after a few tries, the motor should start to turn slower and slower.

So, yes, the easiest thing to do then first would be to add on a known good battery, to see if it is lacking enough power to turn the starter and fire the coils.