Help Diagnosing Starter issue(s)

Todd Renaud · Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2012 6:04 am Post subject: Help Diagnosing Starter issue(s)

Previously, when we pressed the starter button, sometimes the starter "free spins" and the flywheel wouldn't engage. Try again and it would start fine. This last race, the problem was much worse and while the flywheel would finally get engaged, there didn't seem to be enough "juice" to turn it. Battery had enough charge but consensus was the starter was trashed. When we took the starter out - the bendix appeared ok. The starter gear assembly wheel also seems to have enough teeth and matches with the flywheel ok.

So, I can get another starter - but don't have one now - wondering what the brush/spring kit does and whether to try that first?

I also have another battery on the way as well to be sure that isn't it either - but again, given all that happened when we tried to start it - it will really indicated a starter issue.

Any thoughts or diagnosis suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Mikko Nassi · Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2012 8:09 pm Post subject:

Sounds like the battery. Only takes a few mins to try a friend's battery.

Sometimes the starter doesn't engage properly if it's dirty. If it is engaging and feels like there's not enough juice then not enough juice is probably the problem.

If the starter is spinning your brushes are fine.
_________________
Asia Karting News | Asia Karting Forum

Phil Melahn · Joined: 05 Jun 2009 Posts: 41

I had one do the same thing. The armature and winding fell apart (basically the mechanical coupling failed between the winding/green ceramic and the shaft)) and would basically free spin. I had to replace the whole thing. Once I put a new starter in, I never again had the issue with the starter failing to engage the flywheel. Don't waste your money on the brushes. I tried that and it wasn't the problem.

Brian Degulis · Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 2:50 pm Post subject:

Not engaging is probably becuase it's not turning fast enough. Sounds like a starter or battery issue. Typicaly if it's worse when hot it's the starter if it's worse cold it's the battery but I would definetly try a diffrent battery and check wiring before investining in a starter.

Brian

Todd Renaud · Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 7:34 pm Post subject:

Todd Renaud · Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2012 8:09 pm Post subject:

Update for those that care or searching forum...after removing battery, replacing and then removing starter (which was fine) and then putting all back together - got it to start but not with starter (had to use remote starter). So, further investigation revealed that the flywheel nut had come slightly loose and the flywheel wasn't working properly, preventing it from starting. Took it off - cleaned threads, bought new nut and now it works. Starter doesn't free spin anymore and it starts right up. What gave it away was a horrible "metal sound" during the starting process. Engine guy knew immediately when he heard the sound. Crazy.