1976 550 L Starter issue and sprockets

[rderrick121]

Hello All,

A few months back I was having some trouble getting my "new" 550 going, ended up breaking the starter. I am pretty sure I hydrolocked the motor when trying to rinse out old oil/water with diesel.. I don't want to talk about it I forgot the plugs where in it was a stupid mistake, I cranked it with the fluid in there.... It sounds like all the teeth are stripped off of the starter gear and on this machine that seems to be all internal. Looking at Partzilla, I see there are 2 different kinds of starters (KOKUSAN and NIPPON DENSO) how can I determine which one I have? If my hypothesis of the teeth being stripped is right, how hard is this to fix? should I even bother? kicking it over gets it going just fine but it sure would be nice to have a starter.

Bonus question: I like to do all kinds of riding and am replacing the old tired chain and while I am there am going to do sprockets. This is mostly a hobby bike and I haven't gotten much seat time at all on it before its "ready" for summer would going up to a 42 teeth sprocket be rough on the highways cruising near 60-65MPH?

Thanks in advance,
Richie

[barney01]

Look here to identify your starter motor

http://www.kettleclinic.co.uk/kcforum/v ... er+motorut I would also examine the starter idler gear that connects the starter motor to the starter clutch. It's found under the clutch cover.

[Alan H]

Speak to Baz. He can get your starter serviced/repaired. I've had a few done.

[barney01]

If you do have to replace the starter motor the maker is not critical either will work. It's only crucial when you replace. Alternator, rectifier and points. These MUST be the same. It is also important to make sure it's the motor for a 550 as the 750 has the same motor but a different end piece that won't fit the 550.
I think it's more likely the idler gear was damaged .

[rderrick121]

Hi folks, I pulled out the starter and It looks like the teeth on it are all messed up. I will attach a picture, anybody know where I can find a new armature or new starter?

[Alan H]

Have a look at the earlier replies.

[rderrick121]

Have a look at the earlier replies.

Hey Alan, I saw those but was looking for something with less turnaround time, I am in the US.

Also, do you think that amount of damage is enough to disengage the starter or do you think the bike side gear is stripped as well?

Thanks again.

[Alan H]

Have a look at the earlier replies.

Hey Alan, I saw those but was looking for something with less turnaround time, I am in the US.

Also, do you think that amount of damage is enough to disengage the starter or do you think the bike side gear is stripped as well?

Thanks again.

Oops! Didn't realise you were that far away!!
I would be checking the idler and clutch gears to be safe I think.
Plenty of GT550 spares stateside, so you should get a spare motor I'd think.
Ebay should (might) be your friend!!!!

[rderrick121]

Have a look at the earlier replies.

Hey Alan, I saw those but was looking for something with less turnaround time, I am in the US.

Also, do you think that amount of damage is enough to disengage the starter or do you think the bike side gear is stripped as well?

Thanks again.

Oops! Didn't realise you were that far away!!
I would be checking the idler and clutch gears to be safe I think.
Plenty of GT550 spares stateside, so you should get a spare motor I'd think.
Ebay should (might) be your friend!!!!

I have been looking a ton! not much luck.. Also, what is the name of the gear called that the starter gear touches? How can I see them? Is it just the cover on the right side?

Thank you!

[Alan H]

Have a look here - https://alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm - click year, model, area of part. Very handy site.