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Starter spins, bike does not start

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M61A1MECH

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I parked the bike a few days ago after running some errands, ran perfect no issues. Today went to put it up where I park it, hit the starter and it spins but the motor does not catch. Not even a cough or act like the starter is engaging. Fuel tank is full with fresh gas. Have not pulled anything to check for fuses or fuel filter yet, after trying start it several times I put it on the battery tender to make sure I had a good charge before I started messing a round an ended up running the battery flat.

Any suggestions on where to look first would be appreciated, of course the warranty just ran out in March.

This is a 2013 Type I with less than 39,000 miles on it.
 
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#4 ·
Try it again after charging awhile. Do you run synthetic oil? If so, there's been issues with some starter clutches not catching with synthetic in it. There's no switch or fuse that can cause this symptom, it's a mechanical sprague clutch.

The kill switch won't let the starter spin, so it's not that.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
AB8DQ said:
I'm not trying to be a smart@$# but check your kill switch on the right side handlebar. Don't ask why I say that....
Click to expand...
First thing I did, even though it was turning over, kill switch of, does not do anything.
Thanks
 
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#6 ·
Exact same symptoms my 2010 had last week. 99% sure it has something to do with the crankshaft position sensor. I don't know if in removing the front timing chain cover I inadvertently tugged on the wire that attaches to the sensor (it is mounted to the back side of the timing chain cover) or that I took a ratchet and moved the crankshaft back and forth just a little before putting it all back together, but it has started every time since. You might try this: unscrew the small "plug" on the front of the timing chain cover as if you were going to manually rotate the engine to check the valves. Put a socket/ratchet on the crankshaft bolt and rotate it just a little back and forth. Replace the "plug" and see if it will start. I've ordered a new sensor to replace the original just in case it is going bad. Someone chime in if this is bad advice. I'm here to learn...
 
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Discussion starter · #7 ·
techdude2000 said:
Try it again after charging awhile. Do you run synthetic oil? If so, there's been issues with some starter clutches not catching with synthetic in it. There's no switch or fuse that can cause this symptom, it's a mechanical sprague clutch.

The kill switch won't let the starter spin, so it's not that.
Click to expand...
I do run synthetic, that is interesting. I was hoping maybe something simple like an ignition problem keeping from getting spark or clogged fuel line keeping it from getting fuel.

I am not sure if the motor is turning over or not, I guess I need to verify that to know if the starter clutch is engaging. Will try again once battery is fully charged.

Thanks

Am I correct that the motor has to be pulled to change the starter clutch? $$$$!
 
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#8 ·
M61A1MECH said:
I do run synthetic, that is interesting. I was hoping maybe something simple like an ignition problem keeping from getting spark or clogged fuel line keeping it from getting fuel.

I am not sure if the motor is turning over or not, I guess I need to verify that to know if the starter clutch is engaging. Will try again once battery is fully charged.

Thanks

Am I correct that the motor has to be pulled to change the starter clutch? $$$$!
Click to expand...
Yes
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
yeah_capitalism said:
put the bike in neutral and enguage the reverse and see if that works
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Just tried that, reverse does not work, I hear something that sounds like a small motor cycling when I push the reverse button in, but when I thumb the starter/reverse switch nothing.

Thanks
 
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#10 ·
M61A1MECH said:
Just tried that, reverse does not work, I hear something that sounds like a small motor cycling when I push the reverse button in, but when I thumb the starter/reverse switch nothing.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Reverse doesn't work unless the engine is running. The sound you are hearing is the reverse actuator cycling the reverse mechanical parts.
 
#13 ·
How about just putting the bike in gear, maybe 2nd or 3rd, and rock the bike forward. That will turn the crankshaft a WEE bit. My bike has had same symptoms of a spinning starter a few times and that maneuver fixed the problem.

(I bet somebody has already said this and I have failed to see it!)
Cliff
 
#14 ·
Preacher Cliff said:
How about just putting the bike in gear, maybe 2nd or 3rd, and rock the bike forward. That will turn the crankshaft a WEE bit. My bike has had same symptoms of a spinning starter a few times and that maneuver fixed the problem.

(I bet somebody has already said this and I have failed to see it!)
Cliff
Click to expand...
Can't hurt, if you can move the engine a little it might get the arms in the clutch to move just enough to grab. You can turn it with a wrench on the front end of the crankshaft after you remove the timing cover cap. This is assuming that only the starter is turning and engine isn't cranking.
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
Preacher Cliff said:
How about just putting the bike in gear, maybe 2nd or 3rd, and rock the bike forward. That will turn the crankshaft a WEE bit. My bike has had same symptoms of a spinning starter a few times and that maneuver fixed the problem.

(I bet somebody has already said this and I have failed to see it!)
Cliff
Click to expand...
I had the same Idea, used on old manual shift cars back it the day, did not work, the service manager for the dealer I go to lives a couple of blocks away from me, he is going to drop by after work and have a look at it, maybe I will pull the front cover while he is here and we can fiddle with it then.

Thanks
 
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Discussion starter · #16 ·
techdude2000 said:
Can't hurt, if you can move the engine a little it might get the arms in the clutch to move just enough to grab. You can turn it with a wrench on the front end of the crankshaft after you remove the timing cover cap. This is assuming that only the starter is turning and engine isn't cranking.
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Sounds like a plan, should I try to turn it clock wise or counter clockwise, or does it matter?
Thanks
 
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#19 ·
M61A1MECH said:
Sounds like a plan, should I try to turn it clock wise or counter clockwise, or does it matter?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Are you sure the engine is not turning? Have you tried it again after some charge on the battery? You can remove the timing cover cap in the middle of the cover and watch the crankshaft bolt turn or not.
 
Discussion starter · #20 ·
techdude2000 said:
Are you sure the engine is not turning? Have you tried it again after some charge on the battery? You can remove the timing cover cap in the middle of the cover and watch the crankshaft bolt turn or not.
Click to expand...
OK so battery charged back up, timing cover cap removed, the engine is turning, but not starting.

Not the starter clutch?

Is there a fuse for the fuel pump?
What about an ignition circuit fuse?
 
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