starter problems

hey fellas i just picked up a 80 model H with starter probs and i think I have figgered it out to be starter clutch which Yamaha says is unbreakable(eyes rolling) My ? is will I have to split the case or can I reach it from the clutch side?

 

You'll have to split the case to service the starter clutch............

- STARTER CLUTCH:

"If there is not enough grip between the plunger and the roller, it can skip, causing the grinding, clacking noises you hear. I have been told by a Yamaha mechanic with over 20 years experience that it is very possible for some synthetics to greatly increase the chances that this will occur......

So this weekend I drained the synthetic out, put some cheap 20W50 in, and rode it for a little while. Then I drained the cheap oil out and put Castrol GTX 20W50 in and the starter does not malfunction anymore, not even once! I cant believe it! I guess these bikes were not made to run synthetic---I'm sticking with conventional oil from now on."


If the above solution doesn’t work, then it might be time to do the dirty deed. If you read this thread, you'll get a good idea of what challenges you're up against:

http://xjbikes.com/forums/index.php?threads/1700

When you finally get the starter clutch assembly out of the engine and available for rebuild, we suggest that the central hub unit be inspected carefully for any damage or cracks, and replaced if needed. Here is a common problem that you need to look for (scroll down for the image of the cracked hub):

http://xjbikes.com/forums/index.php?threads/18676


There’s only one way to repair a starter clutch that’s bad without splitting the engine cases, and it ain’t pretty:

http://xjbikes.com/forums/index.php?threads/48348


Luckily (?), you only need to remove the lower engine case to replace the clutch:

http://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/xj750-engine-removal-and-split-pictures.38545/


And here she is, the prize at the bottom of the Crackerjack Box:

http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/complete-xj650-rebuild.81981/page-2#post-500076

 

Is it intermittent or does it sometimes catch and turn the motor over?

Along with the oil that was suggested be sure the battery and starter are in perfect working order. You can rebuild the starter for minimal cost; be sure to clean the commutator rings for maximum performance. If you just bought it, odds are the battery has not been maintained and is due for a replacement.

And, if you do have to go there, be sure to replace the alternator chain guide, as they become brittle with age and fail.