Hi all
New guy here in need of some help. I have an 86 liberty classic that's having starter issues. Starter spins solenoid kicks out like it should but I hear a whine and it won't turn over. If I keep hitting the start button sometimes it ll catch and start. Could it be the starter drive gear unit?. Pulled the starter and the small splines on the starter itself look good as does the larger gear that the splines go into. Pulled the primary cover and watched the starter gear engage on the flywheel but didn't turn it over. Thank in advance
Matt

 

Welcome to the forum.

See above sticky about adding an additional relay to fix the dreaded click.

 

Sounds like you nailed it...buy a quality replacement...lots of junk out there.

 

to me its the starter bendix drive gear - you said the starter turns and sometimes it catches - thats what a bendix does when it shot -- johnjzjz

 

If you have observed the starter gear functioning properly and the starter still does not rotate the motor , i would assume the starter motor needs rebuilding. This can be done by you as long as the windings in the motor are ok.?

 

Sorry , i missed the fact that you heard a whinning noise and this would be the starter doing its job but not engaging .
As its a 27 year old bike , i would rebuild the starter anyway., but look for jackshaft and associated starter drive troubles also.

 

if you take the plugs out does the starter spin the motor over ?

 

Agree with other poster, the starter clutch(Sprag clutch)is toast. Depending on how old the starter is its probably better to replace the entire starter than rebuild it.

 

depends on what is wrong with the starter

if armature windings and field windings still ok, new carbon contacts and clean armature up as per workshop manual its probably better than the Taiwanese replacements that are being sold

 

It has a new starter in it from the previous owner. I think they changed it thinking it was the problem but I believe it is the starter clutch as stated in other post. On that note is there any better replacement than stock. Thanks for all the help.