Possible starter fault

[garry a]

Hi I'm having starting problem on my airhead it sounds like flat battery charged it up still the same. checked connections all good I have striped and cleaned all of them still the same. Jumped with a car battery with earth jump lead on the engine still same. So I'm thinking time to take starter off and take a look inside any ideas. Or has anyone got a spare they want to sell.are the Valeo starters any good ? Or should I get mine rebuilt any recommendations ?

 

[electric_monk]

If you have someone nearby who rebuilds starter motors then bring it to them to inspect. I had mine rebuilt in Dublin a couple of months ago and it was a hell of a lot cheaper than replacement.

 

[Beemerboff]

On the Valeo there is something, perhaps a cap, between the planetary gears and the winding's on the armature, and this can come loose, touch the armature and slow things down.
t can be pressed back in place with a socket, perhaps, 36 mm ,but you will have to drill out the pop rivets which hold the body together after the screws are removed.
You can buy a no name Valeo knock off on Ebay for around 50 quid and in my experience they are will last at least as long as OEM - I just had one go after six years/ 150,000 km on my 1000 cc high comp R80 G/S.
I replaced it with one of the same, I couldnt be bothered farting around with the old starter -----.

 

[garry a]

I have taken starter off its a Bosch made in Spain. Striped it and it's not to good. one of the field coils looks like it has got hot at some time. Everything else is just black and dirty and worn. So I'm looking for a Valeo replacement. Can anyone recommend a supplier

 

[Beemerboff]

Euromotoelectrics, or EME, has one which he sells under his own name for US$120- . He gives a meaningful warranty on - he is not just a Ebay vendor, and replies to emails if you have any problems.
He also has the Polish made Valeo for a bit more, with a better warranty. I have had one on my GS for seven or eight years.

Caltric on ebay has been around for a long time and has the no names for around $90- with a bit cheaper postage than EME. One of them lasted me 150,000 km and if I could be bothered pulling it apart it is probably repairable. I will get to it sometime, and keep it as a spare

Snowbums site has a good write up on starters. His writing style takes a bit getting used to but all the information is good, and is worth a read.

 

[garry a]

Thanks for the info