1984 Honda vfr750 interceptor $2,500 - just listed on FB MP - Daytona

Thinking I will try to put the old starter back in and see if it fights me. If not.....it indicates there's something on the new starter that may be the issue. One step at a time. Will report back later......

 

The old starter slipped right in with a mild push....snug fit as it should be.

I don't know if I have the right replacement so will do some digging and probably order another one.

I thought about swapping the insides of these two but that would be taking a gamble they would be compatible, so why waste time on that. New starters aren't big money anyway.

The old starter is a Mitsubishi so probably the original one for the bike.

More later......

 

Good news! I figured out that it was the new O-RING not allowing the new starter to go in as it should. Swapped it with the old o-ring and viola!

Got everything back together again and just have to add the coolant and oil.

Ya know......someone could write a book on stuff like this that you'll never find in any SM!

More later + video.....

 

you might have learned alot by examining your starter internals and checking whether replacing the brushes would fixit.

how many miles on that bike ?

 

100% squirrel!

And I intend to do just that. In fact, earlier today while still pondering what the solution to my problem is, I purchased from eBay a used working Mitsu starter - same make/model as mine. So when it gets here, I will take mine apart and have that one as a sample to compare.

Today's priority was to try and get the repairs finished - which I did. I also was so perplexed why this new replacement starter wasn't fitting - so much of my focus was on that - rightly so.

Once I determine what is worn out on my old starter, I will look into replacement parts. If it's just brushes....I'm hoping they won't cost that much - vs. an entire rebuild kit.

 

taking apart a starter, pay close attention to the critical placement of washers on ends of the armature shaft.

 

What a difference a new starter can make in getting your bike to run again....lol..... Everything worked out OK, although as usual had to figure some stuff out on my own. The biggest being the replacement starter wasn't going into the engine case - because of it's o-ring - which was fatter than the original. Didn't see that coming but got it figured out eventually. Even with some red grease it wouldn't go in so I didn't go crazy trying to force it - Lord knows I've done my share of digging myself a deeper hole due to lack of patience and deep thinking. She's now got fresh oil, oil filter, and coolant. New starter relay and starter. As depicted in the video - sounds pretty good - enough so that I can once again get her back on the road for continued evaluation. PS - when I pan the camera over to my tool area, it's to show a little Carolina Wren nest that was built when my service bay was recently empty. This morning both Mom and Dad were giving me the business but in the evening shift it was all quiet as Mom was content to just sit there and take it all in. There's about 4-5 eggs in there too so hopefully we'll have some more Wrens added to the fold here!

 

Here are the two starters and their o-rings.....new one on the right.......

 

And this is how the two wires attach to the sending unit for the radiator......

 

Just getting caught up!

That's great news that the starter was the problem, not the motor!
Good work Bazza.

 

Thanks, Joe!

 

The used working Misu starter I bought off eBay showed up today. Came with the cable and the two bolts that secure it too! Now that's how you salvage a starter, my friends!

I haven't tested it yet but plan to later tonight as well as get it cleaned up a bit to prep for surgery.

For those interested - I paid $34.99 incl. shipping - not bad!

Old (non-working) on left and the new used one......

 

Digging in.......not sure what's wrong here but those two little brushes are supposed to be inside two of those little holder boxes. The wires too. See Internet pic (last photo) for comparison.

LOT of black powder....holy moly!

 

OK, just ordered this rebuild kit from eBay ($24)....looks like it's what I need......

If nothing else this will be a good learning exercise for me.

 

Wow, your armature is FRIED. Don't even try and re-use that armature and windings. That wide, deep groove is impressive. Maybe if I was on a long trip and the only thing I could get is a brush kit would I even try.

I haven't seen a starter that bad in a LONG time. How many miles "advertised" on that bike? Is this the ex-race bike?

This is exactly why every now and then, and with every new-to you-bike, you should pull the starter apart and douche out the black dust, inspect and sand or replace the brushes as needed and clean the armature.

 

brush wear is linear over use, must be a real high-mile example.

 

This bike shows 14K on the odometer. No idea if it was raced before - that was never mentioned. Only that a father and son had restored it to near original condition.

But of course that doesn't always mean everything on the bike was "attended to". Speaking for myself, I'm not well versed enough to know about servicing starters, generators, alternators, etc . on any of my bikes/vehicles. I just know when they go out - you fix or replace them!

So once again - you've taught me something, Captain. And I thank you!

We used to have an Auto-Electric shop here in town called Ropp's. It was an institution - family owned and operated and THE place to go for any electric-related issues. I'd even buy my batteries from them. Eventually the son retired and the business closed.

Here is a photo I took of the son (Kenny) holding the starter motor from my 356C Porsche. In his left hand is the sintered bushing I replaced that sits in the engine case the starter shaft goes into - and the fitment tool I used:




I used a tap to pull out the old bushing:



Here's a pic of the replacement bushing and brushes I bought from Stoddards:



This is a 6 volt car. Many owners do the 12 volt conversion, but I'm old school and wanted to leave mine stock.

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I guess I should take apart the new used working starter I just got to see if it needs anything - so I'll have a good backup. Stay tuned......

 

I thought one of the VFs you bought had been a race bike. Must be another one or I am mixing you up with another person.

The reason I asked is that is NOT a 14K mile starter, and perhaps there were some undocumented miles (starts).

 

Wasn't me with the raced version.

Entirely possible someone bought this starter used to replace the original, not realizing it was so worn out. Most folks are like me - if it works they don't worry about it. And this one worked fine for me - until it didn't...lol.