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Re: Starter clutch problem

Posted: Sun May 07, 2017 6:55 am
by barney01
As you described, to remove clutch cover. I think whatever happens you are going to inspect the starter clutch. It does sound like the screw problem. The clunk is the screws hitting the crankcase and the whining is the starter disengaged spinning on its own. Here is all the info on the 'L' model. https://www.oldjapanesebikes.com//mraxl ... les/page-8 .
Colours especialy the red can fade into a colour thats looks orange.
You may be able to identify the bike better here http://www.ozebook.com/compendium/suzi/ ... engnos.htm
Here is a comparison photo of the two starter clutches. New style left, old style right. You can see the three screws holding the drive gear that may have worked loose.

Starter clutch problem

Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2019 10:13 am
by stinkywheels
Hi all.
Really appreciate some help and guidance. I have a GT 550a with the Borg Warner starter clutch which intermittently engages on the starter button. I have released the retaining clip and strip the assembly down and noticed that a the spring strip on one of the pawl roller retaining cage was bent. I shaped this back to the same geometry as all the others and re assembled. Problem still exists. Other than this detail I can see nothing obvious which would explain why it intermittently engages. How important is the shape of that spring strip which is only a few thou' thick? Is there any one who repairs these or at least can somebody in the forum give me some detailed pointers what the cause could be and the right remedy.

Also what brand and grade of transmission oil is best to give the starter clutch best chance??
Cheers
Paul.

Re: Starter clutch problem

Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2019 10:29 am
by Alan H
stinkywheels wrote:Hi all.
Really appreciate some help and guidance. I have a GT 550a with the Borg Warner starter clutch which intermittently engages on the starter button. I have released the retaining clip and strip the assembly down and noticed that a the spring strip on one of the pawl roller retaining cage was bent. I shaped this back to the same geometry as all the others and re assembled. Problem still exists. Other than this detail I can see nothing obvious which would explain why it intermittently engages. How important is the shape of that spring strip which is only a few thou' thick? Is there any one who repairs these or at least can somebody in the forum give me some detailed pointers what the cause could be and the right remedy.

Also what brand and grade of transmission oil is best to give the starter clutch best chance??
Cheers
Paul.
If you use semi or full synthetic oil in the gearbox, both starter clutch and 'full' clutch will slip. 14w40 or 20w50 full mineral must be used.
The 'teeth' on the Borg warner bit wear slightly over the years - especially if the oil level ever gets low - and replacement is the only option. I posted about these some time ago, here - http://www.kettleclinic.co.uk/kcforum/v ... &start=220 - last two posts on this page and the next ones on the next - during my last 550 resto. They can't be repaired, and have to be replaced. Reiner is the only one that has any as far as I know, but read the bumf first!! It intermittently engages 'because that's what they do' mine's the same, and if the engine fires - even a tiny bit, it kicks the starter clutch out, as it should do. I think they just get tired, but getting spares is hens teeth territory.

Re: Starter clutch problem

Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2019 11:09 am
by barney01
+1 with Alan. I have had my 550 for 25 years and have checked and replaced everything including the one way clutch bearing you refer to. Mine has the Borg Warner too. TBH I just kickstart it and only use the SM when the engine is warm. It seems some bikes never have problems and some do :roll:

Re: Starter clutch problem

Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2019 11:22 am
by stinkywheels
Morning Alan
Thanks for response. I have used a semi synthetic transmission oil so this could be the culprit. I will put in 20/50fully mineral and hopefully happy days. Our local bike shop does not stock fully mineral - where do you buy yours from?
Do you have Reiners contact details?

In the threads it mentioned that there are two versions of the BW clutch - what are the differences if I am lucky mine might be the later one.

Cheers
Paul

Re: Starter clutch problem

Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2019 11:40 am
by Alan H
Local car spares shop. Modern bike shops just don't understand...... :roll:
Differences are width - can't remember offhand, but they may be on the thread link I posted.

gtreiner1@AOL.com
Just ask for a current price list plus details of borg warner parts for GT550.

Re: Starter clutch problem

Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2019 11:50 am
by barney01
Wilko and Halfords also sell 20/50 classic oil if I were you I would get an engine flush too as you really need to make sure all that synthetic is out
This is what I use
https://www.carparts4less.co.uk/cp4l/p/ ... oCzyTw_wcB

Re: Starter clutch problem

Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2019 11:52 am
by stinkywheels
Hi Alan
Thanks again. I let you know how it goes
Cheers
Paul

Re: Starter clutch problem

Posted: Sat Jun 08, 2019 12:00 pm
by Alan H
While you've got the clutch in bits, wash everything in thinners or paraffin to get rid of the semi synth stuff, then refill with mineral. Run for a day or 2, then empty and refill as Barney suggests.
These old ladies (the bikes!) were designed in the 60s/70s so in the main, use lubricating products from that age for 'rubbing' parts like clutches.
Saying that, semi synth 2 stroke oil is better than the old stuff, and smokes less too.

Re: Starter clutch problem

Posted: Sun Jun 16, 2019 7:41 pm
by stinkywheels
Hi All
Tried Renier for a new starter bearing but can only supply the wider bearing = 15.7mm. Mine is 13mm wide (A Model). Does anybody know who may stock the thinner bearing or is their another motorcycle which uses an identical 13mm wide. Can anything been done to improve the grip of the roller bearings when operated by CF.

Cheers
Paul