[MNellis]

One of the things that popped up when I tried using the electric starter on my recently acquired '70 450 is that the starter will turn over a few times then sounds like it's grinding or skipping teeth.

Are starter problems common on the 450's? Do the clutches go bad or maybe some broken teeth somewhere in there?

I'd rather not pull the starter right away since I want to work on the compression issue that I outlined in my Projects post, but I thought I'd start asking questions so get some opinions.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

Starter clutch? :?:

Regardless, it'll have to be torn apart to see...

GB :mrgreen:

 

[MNellis]

Starter clutch? :?:

Regardless, it'll have to be torn apart to see...

GB :mrgreen:

Yea, I think they use a clutch since I'm pretty sure, based on what my 350 starter looks like, that there is no Bendix type of engagement. If there is no Bendix type of deal then some sort of clutch mechanism is probably used.

I've gotta go find that manual he sent with the bike.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

You'll figure that out in short order..

I would'nt... :lol:

GB

 

[jayel]

uses the same setup as the 350 probably the springs, end caps, rollers, ect.

 

[tbpmusic]

Springs and caps should still be available from honda.
Sadly, the ckutch itself is not - if it's the clutch (their nomenclature), you'll have topick up a used alternator somewhere, they usually are still sold with the clutch on.

Just one thought - many times 450 starters will make really strange sounds when the battery is low. Weird whooping, squealing noises, not so much a grinding, though.