'78 550K electric starter not engaging properly

neuxstone

'78 550K starter engages some of the time but "jumps out and makes a stripped gear sound" when I push the button. I by-passed the solenoid by jumping it, but get the same results. Battery is fully charged and was on a running rider.
Just looking at the design and location of the starter gives me the willies, because it looks inaccessible without tearing deep into the nether-regions or a repair bill from hell. Twisted Evil

Does anyone have any experience with these, or a manual with the repair procedure?
Your help is appreciated.
Question

Dave

jayel · Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 1:38 pm Post subject:

you'll need the service manual for sure, there are 3 little springs with end caps and rollers in the starter clutch, fortunately they are still available from honda
here's a site with drawing of the parts http://www.cmsnl.com/search.php?s_name=cb550k

this pic is of the PRIMARY SHAFT - CHAIN fiche

neuxstone · Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 3:54 pm Post subject:

Thanks, I checked Bike Bandit this AM after writing the post.
Looking at the nomenclature of the motor and examining the schematic, I am concluding removal of the engine and splitting the cases to get to the idler/primary shaft that the starter motor drives.
I have a Shop Manual on the way, but was hoping someone would tell me what I wanted to hear... Exclamation

Ouch!
Thanks for your help
Dave Sad

05c50 · Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 6:33 pm Post subject:

Is there any chance the engine might be sludged up? If it has sat around for a while sometimes the rollers get stuck and don't grip completely. I had this happen and was able to clean it up using some Marvel Mystery Oil. It's a pretty common problem on Gl1000's
By the way, I have a 550 manual, and the starter clutch removal is UGLY! Shocked

.......Paul

neuxstone · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 5:54 am Post subject:

It did sit for a couple years...I was hoping someone had an alternate idea.
What is the proceedure for the marvel oil fix?

05c50 · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 3:43 pm Post subject:

Please understand....it won't fix worn out parts, but if the rollers and springs are gunked up from sitting, it will work. Drain out a quart of oil and add MMO. Run the engine as you normally would for 30 to 50 miles. Change the oil and filter........Hopefully it catches now. It has worked for me on a couple bikes that had been neglected. MMO is available at most parts stores, even Wallymart has it.
Let us know if it helps.

.........Paul

tbpmusic · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 4:17 pm Post subject:

It's not a tough job -
This is a 500, pretty much the same deal........

jayel · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 4:45 pm Post subject:

tbp he's having starter clutch problems not starter motor, internal engine on the 550

neuxstone · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 8:10 pm Post subject:

Thanks J,
I checked my starter motor for correct operation and it passes, but I have to agree with the sentiment that it is the starter clutch, which is buried inside the motor.
I'm trying to wrap my head around the marvel oil to free up the springs and cogs in the clutch as soon as I can figure out how to get my oil can in there...HMMM
Dave

tbpmusic · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 8:26 pm Post subject:

jayel · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 8:31 pm Post subject:

neuxstone · Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 4:11 am Post subject:

Sounds like it's worth a try...
Have you done this?
How much ratio Marvel to oil?
Dave

jayel · Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 6:14 am Post subject:

neuxstone · Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 7:41 am Post subject:

Thank you,
I will post the results after I try this.
One more question...You mentioned this is/was a fix for GL starter problems. Did you try this?
Dave.

05c50 · Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 9:37 am Post subject:

I've done the MMO treatment on a 75 GL1000, a 84 GL1200 and a KZ200. It didn't help on the KZ though, the rollers were worn out.

...............Paul