The Venturers - Yamaha Venture Technical Support Library

Not a member? Join Today to see why so many say they are Proud to be a Venturer!

Library Home Page > 1st Generation (1983 to 1993) > Electrical

Hot Start Cranking Problem

  Author: Bill_p
  Views: 16544     Votes: 22
  Print

Hot Start problem 1st Generation:

Problem: 1988 VR, after a run and motor is hot, engine was very slow to turn over. I mean very slow. Sometimes had to let it sit for 30 minutes, then it always started.
Well, I have read all the threads on the new wiring to the starter and starter solenoid, so I checked those. Found the solenoid to have very little voltage loss, less than 1 volt, and the cables at both ends looked perfect . By that, I mean they were crimped properly and soldered, no corrosion, and were tight. RickH, from Buckeye Performance, suggested to remove the starter and clean it out. I did just that and problem is gone!!!!!!!
The starter was contaminated with brush residue and the brush holder was covered with this residue. The commutator was dark and full of black dust. This starter is sealed and nothing can get out! Some Brake Kleen spray and light sanding of the commutator, cleaning the brush holders, oiling the bearings, and WALLA, it spins like a top. It even sounds better when run on the bench in a vise.
Best part is no cost, only an afternoon, and fresh antifreeze.

HOW TO DO IT!!!!

1. Remove radiator covers, and drain cooling system.
2. Remove radiator by disconnecting hoses. Fan and wiring are attached so be sure to unplug fan as radiator is coming out.
3. Remove r/h head pipe by loosening it at the collector box, and the 2 nuts at the motor. Tip: Let the connection at the collector under the bike soak in WD 40 or other rust penetrant. Once the clamp is loose it will pull forward with some wiggling and some good swear words.
4. Remove the thermostat housing. This is where the hose from the radiator meets the motor. That housing will not let the starter move far enough to get it out. Tip: The housing and tubes going to it are sealed with O-rings. ( all available locally) You may, or may not, need new ones.
5. Remove the wire to the starter and the 2 mounting bolts holding the starter to the motor block.
6. The starter then will pry out of it's seated position. I used a good size screwdriver and it just popped out. There again, is an O-ring seal to keep in oil from the block.
7. Put the starter in a vise or on a bench and remove the 2 long screws holding the starter together. Mark with a screwdriver or marker along the starter so it can be reassembled with all the parts in proper alignment. I used a scratch awl.
8. The ends will come off the housing and you will see a bunch of powdery crud come out.
9. There are O-rings again sealing the starter, don't lose or break them.
10. Wash everything with Brake Kleen or other parts cleaner and spray with WD 40.
11. Lightly sand the commutator ( the brass colored round end of the armature ) with very fine sand paper or emery cloth. Clean the grooves.
12. Wash the bearings and relube with oil and some grease in the front roller brg.
13. Reassemble the starter being careful not to damage the brushes when inserting the armature. Be careful, the end cap have to go back the same as they came off ,, remember line 7 above.
14. Test run the starter on the bench!! Or take it out to your car and use your car battery to run it ,,, the body of the starter to GROUND. Power to the lug on the side. It should run like new.
15. Reverse all removal instructions and hopefully no more problem.
16. Remember always check the battery ::: It must have a full charge::: No weak cells.

good luck, BILL P

9/14/2007

Last update: 11:54 PM Thursday, September 13, 2007

All material on webpages under the domain venturers.org, is the property of The Venturers, Inc. These materials are protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce or retransmit the materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, without the prior written consent of The Venturers, Inc. The free information contained herein is offered in the spirit of helping others and any action or advice taken from these pages is the sole responsibility of the receiver.