Replace Starter Brushes...if I can find them

Another one of those simple questions that I can't seem to figure out. I have my bike running pretty good but it has a hard time starting without a shot of carb cleaner. It also doesn't idle so well until its really warm.

I have had the carbs cleaned and just waiting on my Yics tool from Chacal in order to synch the carbs. But I also have read bits about the starter brushes. Since I still have the original 82 ones in there I'd guess, I thought about checking them out and maybe replacing them. Only question is...where the heck are they exactly? I mean what do I take out to get to them. I read a bunch of posts but it never really says and I can't find a pic. OK so there is my stupid question for this week

One last thought....its DAMN nice to fill up at the gas station and have it read only $7.68 !!!!!!!!!!!! Rather than the $72.00 for my explorer!

 

It's easy, your bike is same as mine. To remove the starter, disconnect the wire from the battery and remove the two bolts that hold the starter to the cranckcase. Pull the starter off the bike and take it to the workbench. Remove the two long screws that hold the starter together, then pull the cap off the end opposite the gear end. This is where the starter brushes are. Clean it up inside the starter and then determine if your brushes have more life left in them, or if they need replacing now.

To take it off, replace brushes and re-install starter should take 60 minutes tops. Very routine and not expensive if you can do it yourself.

 

Which end has the gears? Is there an easy way to tell before you take it off?

 

Log on to the Yamaha Parts Web site and have a look at a Starter's exploded view.

That's the thing you should be doing with a Workshop Manual.
You have the Bike.
You are the guy who is going to have to care for it.

You NEED a Manual.
But the Yamaha Parts Web Site will do for starters!

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/myyam ... there.aspx

 

I looked at the manual and didn't see that part (got a Haynes). Maybe I just missed it. I'll look again and check the parts diagram; never thought of that.

 

Once you take the starter out of the engine you will see which end has the gears!

Basically the end that is fitted into the engine has the gears.

The end that has the wire attached to it has the brushes.

The brushes are in a plate that fits into the starter motor housing only one way - so pay attention to the way it comes apart. Take pictures, make notes, have a manual at hand, have a parts blow up on hand, scribe a line on the housings and plate, what ever it takes to get the job done!

 

Thanks Nick! I have started taking pictures with the digital camera whenever I take anything apart. Really comes in handy.