starter removal

[a330us]

Hello, been awhile but always lurking. I picked up a nice blue and white with low miles last month but starter didn't work when it got here so been searching for removal and not finding much on the specifics. Do you really have to remove left side of engine, drain oil and water, frame member just to get at that bolt? Is there any other way to repair the starter in place?
I'm getting old and I work slow and probably running out of time Thanks Arch.

[Bluey]

Pretty sure you have too... that's what i did anyway.

[Derek]

Hello, been awhile but always lurking. I picked up a nice blue and white with low miles last month but starter didn't work when it got here so been searching for removal and not finding much on the specifics. Do you really have to remove left side of engine, drain oil and water, frame member just to get at that bolt? Is there any other way to repair the starter in place?
I'm getting old and I work slow and probably running out of time Thanks Arch.

Yes, that's the procedure for removing the starter. Some folk have apparently succeeded in changing the brushes with the starter in situ but I don't think I'd even try that. Before pulling the starter out check it's non-operation by bridging the solenoid terminals or using a jump lead to apply the battery direct to the starter terminal.

[Tamburinifan]

Doable but tricky.
You have to mark top, body and engine before removing starter, they fit together one way only.
Can be very timeconsuming fiddling w brushes and rotating housing to fit the 2 long bolts going through etc.

[a330us]

Thanks and just saw another couple weeks of my life flash before my eyes! Arch.

[nickta]

Hi Arch.

It's been a little while, so the memory is a little rusty, but if it is the same as the 907 you won't need to drain the oil. The only oil that I found behind the alternator cover was forced in by the oil pump when the motor was turned over by hand. The frame rail should should also just unbolt. You can't get away without removing the alternator cover! When I changed the sprag bearing I did drain the coolant, but that was more for access to the assembly. With a little swearing and a small amount of yelling, you might get away without draining the coolant, but if it has been sitting a while, it might be worth changing it anyway?

Cheers.
Nick.

[Mc tool]

As nickta sez , and if you can lean the bike over a bit ( securely ) makes the job easier. I undo all the other bolts 1st then lean the thing over ( propped up on garage wall ) off with the cover and when you take out that bolt inside the cover the starter can be got with one hand . Probly would pay to replace the bearing and the seal while you have the starter out ( both can be got at the local bearing shop )

[a330us]

Thanks, all good advice, since I don't know when any service was done I'm going to do everything including valves and belts. Man it would be nice to buy something just once that ran right off the truck! Oh, here's a idea, stop buying stuff Arch.