Starter won't engage everytime...help?

[Hornet232]

UPDATE: Starter won't engage everytime...help?

Hi guys, I have a 2000 Husky. Just got it last fall and only rode it a month or so before winter.

Problem is: When you hit the start switch the starter will always turn and do the whizzzing but it's not engaging and turning the motor over. It will engage and I got it started today a couple times and it's running ok but it takes 6-8 times hitting the start switch before it engages and starts. I can't really take it anywhere like this not knowing when the starter is gonna shit completely. If it's the starter?? I've already had the battery checked and it's good.

I've been reading a whole bunch of posts on starters etc....some have similar problems but not exactly. I'm pretty sure it's the starter, I found an almost exact problem on the v-twin site. They said it was the starter clutch? That's part of the gears inside the starter? right?

Should I just get a new starter? shovelheadkicker on ebay has some good prices...I've seen a few guys refer him....or is it worth having it rebuilt?
I'm not sure what make starter it is, I haven't pulled it yet.

Could it be anything else? It did it a few times like this last fall, but not like it is now.

Thanks for your input and experience.
Scott

 

[woodbutcher]

first thing to do is to take the battery and get it load tested and make sure it has no less that 12.8 volts available and since it is a '00, more than likely it does not have compression releases which is going to make it even harder on the battery. make sure you have as much over 300 cca as you can afford.

as far as a new starter, check locally for a good reputable rebuild shop before buying a new one.

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/group-buys/22079-braille-battery-group-buy.html

 

[Hornet232]

Thanks, I already took in the battery and had it checked. They said it was strong as hell. 13.5+ and 500+ cca
I just checked it out in my garage and 13.4 with the key on.

As far as it not engaging like it is, is that pretty sure a starter problem?

And if it is? Is it better just to have it rebuilt locally? The one on ebay is a 2.4 spyke for early Big Dogs and mine looks real close to it as far as I can see with it still in.

Thanks

 

[moeszyslak]

Thanks, I already took in the battery and had it checked. They said it was strong as hell. 13.5+ and 500+ cca
I just checked it out in my garage and 13.4 with the key on.

As far as it not engaging like it is, is that pretty sure a starter problem?

And if it is? Is it better just to have it rebuilt locally? The one on ebay is a 2.4 spyke for early Big Dogs and mine looks real close to it as far as I can see with it still in.

Thanks

it sounds that the drive portion of the starter that locks and prevents the start from just spinning backwards when engaged is not working correctly. if it is the same spyke brand starter like my 03 chopper, that new part is almost 300 dollars i believe and you can buy a new starter for not much more.

 

[Hornet232]

UPDATE:
Well, I had time today so I got dirty taking off the starter. I had to remove exhaust, oil tank, and primary cover then pulled the 2 allen head bolts on the starter. That's done.

(excuse me if I call something the wrong name, I don't have a book and don't know all the nomenclature on the parts)

My question is now?
When I pulled the primary cover, the long Jack shaft bolt was already unscewed and it and the gears came out with the cover. I was "holy shit" I'm pretty sure that's not good. Is that the problem all along? and the starter is fine?
Without the jack shaft bolt holding that all together, is that what caused it not to engage everytime? or is it still the starter plus the bolt loose.??

I'd hate to put this all back together and it still be the starter, ya know. For $100-150 starter I almost rather be safe than sorry.

Oh, and could I take it to Autozone to test the starter? Do bike starters work on their tester? (just called them and no go, doesn't work on theirs) I'll call them while I wait for you guy's knowledge.

Thanks

 

[Throttle Jockey]

I'd put it all back together, use some locktight on that loose bolt, and make sure the contacts in the solenoid are clean.

TJ

 

[Johnnieye]

I've been looking at threads for hours today. I have the same problem with my 2003 bulldog and posted a thread, hoping for some help, before a found yours. Sorry i can't help but good luck. I'll be interested to see what the problem is.

 

[LARS]

I have the same starting problem on my 02 Wolf,I've looked into that Bullet proof product,but that only works with open primaries.The mech that installed it said that the starter is so powerful(2.0kw)that the shaft comes out too quick and misses it's target,let us know what you find out.Thanks

 

[Johnnieye]

Hey Hornet232, what was the final outcome? I have the same type of problem! Thanks

 

[BigDogBro1]

Ok, here's my 2 cents.

Sounds like your battery is OK at this point.

When it does crank...will it start? If it does GOOD IT WORKS.

If the starter spins but won't engage the clutch ring gear, then it may be the either the starter solenoid that won't slide in far enough due to sticking or the bendix at the end of the starter shaft won't engage or engage far enough to the ring gear.

It should be bolted together, right?

NOTE:
In my 2007 $100+ service manual, I can't find any information, illustrations about the starter, WTF, am I wrong?

 

[Hornet232]

Well, finally had time and got it back together this past weekend. I used the same starter and just put it back together, putting some loctite on the jackshaft bolt and snugging that down. I'm not sure if there's a torque value on it so I guessed on what should be good.

Outcome: It has engaged and fired up everytime so far, problem fixxed.

Seems it was just that jackshaft bolt being loose the gear was probably bouncing back and forth along the bolt and only engaging once and awhile.

Lesson: Pull the Primary cover FIRST(I didn't oops) and check that bolt and gear is secure, it would have saved me a lot of time and hassle if I had.

Thanks guys for your advice:2thumbs:, BDB has been a big help and always more to learn.

 

[Johnnieye]

Thank you Scott for the update ! I'll be working on mine as soon as I get some time. Thanks to you and other members on BDB I'll have a good idea of what to look for. Glad you are up and running again.

 

[Jamen800x]

I just bought a 2002 Big Dog Husky and got it home and it would not start. Looked all electrical over and it was the starter ground wire on the inside had broke off and would sometimes contact, sometimes not. Had to solder it back together and works fine now.

 

[Hornet232]

Hi guys, My Husky is doing it again. I'm pretty sure that jackshaft bolt is coming loose again.

Can someone with a manual tell me what the torque value is on that bolt. The long one that goes into the starter.

I'm gonna pull the primary cover and fix it in a day or 2 as soon as I have time, but I want to make sure I torque it right this time. Put some more loctite on it too.

Thanks

 

[Hornet232]

Anyone with a manual or can someone remember what the TORQUE of the jackshaft bolt on the starter is?????

I'm gonna do it tomorrow and was hoping to have a better idea of how much to torque it down this time.

Please and thank you !

 

[stlmikie]

Jackshaft bolt is 60 inch lbs./5 ft lbs. (blue loctite)
This is from an 03 Mastiff manual.