Another year and again I got to bring Dad's 98 Timberwolf home with me for some repairs. The Starter Clutch is really acting up. Engages for a second or two then free wheels. I tried the search but did not see a lot of information. It looks like an over running Sprag clutch design from what I see in the parts microfiche?

From past experience often times problems with these can be cure with a good engine flush. Is that the same with these or should I start ordering parts now to tear it apart??


Any advice appreciated Tia!!

 

Assuming you are referring to the electric start, when they slip they are usually worn out. Most run in oil and you have to get the flywheel off, which is a pain. However, I have just done one on a Breeze which has the starter clutch in the belt box. This is presumably supposed to run dry and the clutch was a little greasy, so I cleaned it up, put it back, and it seems to work OK. I don't know which type the 250 has.

 

Did your dad run automotive oil? Bike MFG's claim automotive oils can cause such problems...but it usually just freewheels when that is the issue.

 

Not sure what he ran for oil in it. I did a real good flush with some Kero and that helped with the freewheel issue but the hard clunking noise was still there. Got the old clutch out last week and it is worn so I got a new Starter Clutch in over the weekend and will be installing it today. Hopefully that will cure it.

 

New Starter Clutch is in and working great. Really dislike the method of installation as it involves some abuse of the starting gear Inner bushing but it is done and working fine. Other than destroying one Harmonic Balancer puller it was a fairly easy job.

Yes this was a "wet" overrunning Sprag clutch design