650gs starter motor died in Africa

[glennis]

Hello..

Whilst trying to get my 2001 650 dakar all the way up Africa back to London i've come across another problem out in the middle of nowhere.

I'm pretty sure my starter motor has died but i just wanted to check with you lot in case im missing something obvious.

My test on the starter has been to remove it, hold its casing against the frame to earth it and run a lead from the starter motor connection terminal and to touch this against the battery positive, but d no action from the starter motor.. so i guess its faulty... However, i don't know what the solenoid situation is on the 650 gs, is it integral to the starter? is there even one? if so, where? and could a fault with that mean my starter is actually ok.

getting any parts out here is hard work and finding someone to re-wire my starter could be tough! so i want to be sure the starter is dead before i commit to finding way to repair it.

cheers !

Also - my first sight of this problem was: when hitting start button i got a single click from the starter relay and all lights on dash stayed off while button depressed., i have tested the relay and its good..

The battery is good and the starter has 9ohms across it.. Before removal the starter was showing only 3volts (starter casing to battery positive) when the start button was pressed

Any help or advice would be great!

 

[Timolgra]

Could be your starter brushes, if so many car/van brushes will be available somewhere, it's just a matter of filing them to fit.

That's off the top my head, there a 2001 Dakar in my garage if I have a moment I'll get a bit more of an idea.

 

[glennis]

after digging a little, im getting the gist that in this instance the relay and the solenoid are actually the same thing, sitting just infront of the battery.

i tested this item by shorting it with a screwdriver and hoping that the starter would then turn over, meaning the relay was dead, but i just got sparks and no start..

does anyone think its worth me handing this starter over to the first mechanic out here that says he can try and fix it? Are they simple enough to repair? or should i just start trying to get one sent from home, which will cost a bomb..

 

[glennis]

brushes eh? cheers, i'll start looking into it..

 

[Timolgra]

You also need to check all your wiring and connections are sound.

I'm really pushed for time now but have a root through here
http://faq.f650.com/main.html

 

[Hustler]

I know you said the battery was good but if possible I would try it with another battery, just in case the battery is reading that all is well when in fact it is a bit poorly.

 

[glennis]

update... theres progress, of sorts.. I pulled the starter apart and gave it a clean out. tested it, and she goes! Reinstalled but now wheni press start button, i hear the starter spinning but the engine doesn't begin to turn over..
with the casing open i can see The starter and the cogs that lead it to the flywheel(?) can all move freely. The main alternator wheel disc that the stator fits inside is not being driven when i give teh startor motor a blip

Any advice gladdly recieved as its Friday, and during this revolution Friday is Riot Day in Egypt and 300 people were killed last Friday so i'd love to be able to move on before dark!
cheers!

 

[Dansin]

Are you talking about the sprag clutch? Some info here and the chain gang FAQ here.

Hope you get it sorted.

 

[how much for a service!]

Just bump start it and get the hell out of there!
good luck!

 

[glennis]

cheers... i came across those pages today.. Things are pointing towards the sprag clutch although i'd like to be sure before proceeding... and its seems that i certainly need some kind of puller to check/repair and i don't have one (is it a specific tool to this part or can i use a universal one?)

In the meantime, im going for the bump it and run for the border technique!

 

[Dansin]

I've never had to deal with the sprag clutch so don't know what's involved. Stick a post on f650.co.uk or the US f650.com, someone on there will know.