Starter clutch mystery

[didge]

A puzzle for the technical guys……
On a 1976 A model…….

The starter clutch spins but doesn’t bite, I’ll whip out the kicker and it’ll start easily, after literally a few seconds, switch it off, back on, (literally 3 seconds will do it) try the starter again and it’ll start like a brand new bike.

I replaced the starter clutch, rollers, springs, the lot, oil in….exactly the same.

I tolerated it for roughly a year and then eventually get a new starter clutch kit, this time also renewing the woodruff key and needle rollers the gear sits on, oil it up, press the button, and it’s the same.

I’m missing something, but what ?

[Alan H]

What gearbox oil are you using, Didge?

[didge]

20/50 Classic green oil Al.

[Alan H]

I think Baz might be the one to answer that then, bud.
Strange that the 750 starter clutch worked fine, but the early 550 starter clutch, which was identical, didn't.
I first visited Eddie Crooks' shop in Barrow in Furness back in 1972 and Eddie & Frank Whiteway had a fix for the 550 starter clutch which cured the issue. They reckoned it was poorly installed at the factory, but that hardly helps you.
I would suggest trying a different oil, but if it would make any difference would be a toss up.
Richard uses cheapo 20w/50 mineral oil & changes it every year on his Kettle and never has any issues.

[didge]

It was suggested maybe the battery needed replacing Al as it might not be delivering enough Amps.
Unfortunately a new battery was fitted and it’ll turn the starter after about a dozen attempts, so better not best.
Luckily it’s easy to kick it over.
I’m not sure where to jump next, I’ll use it for now, come the winter I’ll pull the carbs, fig the start out and get it refurbed, I’ll look for a coil pack too.

[didge]

It was suggested maybe the battery needed replacing Al as it might not be delivering enough Amps.
Unfortunately a new battery was fitted and it’ll turn the starter after about a dozen attempts, so better not best.
Luckily it’s easy to kick it over.
I’m not sure where to jump next, I’ll use it for now, come the winter I’ll pull the carbs, dig the starter out and get it refurbed, I’ll look for a coil pack too.