RedPhazer
Expert
RedPhazer
Expert
As you can see, one of the bolts had completely backed out. I checked the markings and the starter halves had already started to rotate and de-index. I have no doubt that at some point I would have gotten stranded.
I called the dealer, of course they don't have a starter and probably won't be able to get me one until it fails. The dealer instructs me to go ahead and fix it myself and not to worry about warranty issues. So, I bought some red loctite, lined up the marks on the starter halves with the green line and tightened down the first bolt.
Here is where my problems started... the second bolt wasn't holding the starter together tight, but it also didn't want to turn. I was only using a 1/4 drive ratchet, but the bolt snapped off leaving the end seized in the housing. I'm going to be brief on what ensued, but obviously in trying to fix the issue I just made it worse!
At any rate, trails open monday and now I won't be able to ride!
I'm not sure what the dealer is going to say when I contact him to tell him what happened, and see if I can get some assistance under warranty. At least I have the picture to plead my case.
Anyhow, I just wanted to tell my story so that those of you contemplating the fix are informed. So far I'm the only one I've heard of that had this problem. All I can say is... you're darned if you don't fix it and get stranded, or you are darned if you do fix it and something goes wrong. I'll keep you guys posted on what the dealer has to say, but my guess is I am SOL!
I called the dealer, of course they don't have a starter and probably won't be able to get me one until it fails. The dealer instructs me to go ahead and fix it myself and not to worry about warranty issues. So, I bought some red loctite, lined up the marks on the starter halves with the green line and tightened down the first bolt.
Here is where my problems started... the second bolt wasn't holding the starter together tight, but it also didn't want to turn. I was only using a 1/4 drive ratchet, but the bolt snapped off leaving the end seized in the housing. I'm going to be brief on what ensued, but obviously in trying to fix the issue I just made it worse!
At any rate, trails open monday and now I won't be able to ride!
I'm not sure what the dealer is going to say when I contact him to tell him what happened, and see if I can get some assistance under warranty. At least I have the picture to plead my case.
Anyhow, I just wanted to tell my story so that those of you contemplating the fix are informed. So far I'm the only one I've heard of that had this problem. All I can say is... you're darned if you don't fix it and get stranded, or you are darned if you do fix it and something goes wrong. I'll keep you guys posted on what the dealer has to say, but my guess is I am SOL!
marpolsdofer
TY 4 Stroke Guru
Well at least you rook a look at it befor it happend. Being stranded sucks its especially when it hapens in a middle of a feild 4 mille from any house and they dont groom. I know how you feel about not riding I am missing my keys.
RedPhazer
Expert
Cheapest I've found a new starter is $268.59 plus shipping! Me dealer has always treated me great so I'll see what he says on Monday. If I end up having to foot the bill for the starter I'm going to be crabby!
Don't suppose anybody has a starter they want to sell? It doesn't even have to work... I just need the cast end piece where the bolts thread in.
Don't suppose anybody has a starter they want to sell? It doesn't even have to work... I just need the cast end piece where the bolts thread in.
fraolib
Expert
yea im getting a lil pissed about my waranty. a bearing locked up on my idler wheel behind my torsion spring and flat spotted badly and waranty doesnt cover bearings. $50 for new wheel, needs new a arm bushings, bushings arent covered after the first year. i have a waranty till 2013
Bring that starter over here in the morning and if I cant get the broke bolt out I will drill it and install a Helicoil.No need for a new starter.
marpolsdofer
TY 4 Stroke Guru
Helicoil, I use them if striped theads on a cylinder hear other then that I always tap everything.
phaze5
TY 4 Stroke Guru
you can start by wrapping your clutch, just so you guys aren't stranded,it's a bitch but it works imo,
on a positive note, my shitter has been reborn, and has another year of beatings to recieve lol
on a positive note, my shitter has been reborn, and has another year of beatings to recieve lol
Good luck Phaze5!Any reinforcement mods done yet?
Phazerron
Veteran
I had my starter crap out a long way from home. But I noticed warning signs along the way. At each stop for gas, food or warning huts the starter just didn't turn over as well. Sounded like the battery wasn't charging between the stops and each time you tried starting there was a little less battery life to crank it over the next time. We stopped at the Whiteshell for food and I tried starting immediately after turning it off. No go. But after a 3/4 hour meal break it just barely turned over but it did start. We did one stop on the way home and it would not start again until it cooled off a fair amount. This time there was no turning it off, even for refueling. Made it home and once at the dealer they confirmed the bolts were backing off on there own, thus binding inside the starter was at fault.
If in a bind I would start a warm sled using a rope on the clutch. I've done it on a 2 strokes a few times and it works pretty slick as long as you have a fairly easy starting machine once you turn it over.
If in a bind I would start a warm sled using a rope on the clutch. I've done it on a 2 strokes a few times and it works pretty slick as long as you have a fairly easy starting machine once you turn it over.
RedPhazer
Expert
Picked up the new starter today... no loctite! I couldn't believe it! I would have been right back where I was if I hadn't checked the bolts. Anyhow, new starter installed, front frame back on, everything loctited with the appropriate color, oil and chain case filled, sled run for several minutes, and just a couple body panels left to mount up before I'm ready to ride. I have to say my local dealership kicks butt... wish every vendor provided that kind of service!
Once again, I would recommend everyone check their starter bolts!
Once again, I would recommend everyone check their starter bolts!
Ruckus
TY 4 Stroke Master
Where is the starter located? Its the back of the engine, right?
Under the motor and covered by the front frame.
RedPhazer
Expert
If you remove the underside cover and get underneath the sled with a flashlight, you may be able to see the bottom bolt of the starter to visually inspect it without dropping the front frame?
Ruckus
TY 4 Stroke Master
The tech said its behind the motor and the engine has to be unbolted and tipped forward to access it.??????
