On my 1989 Warrior, I have noticed a strange noise when using the electric starter. When it cranks for more than a turn or two, I get a metallic slapping sound coming from the starter area. When the bike shuts down, I can hear the same noise.

It is kind of like there is something rotating that snaps back against the starter shaft when the engine is shut off, or when the engine is trying to start under compression.

It is difficult to describe, but it goes away once the bike is running, and only surfaces when starting and when the engine comes to a stop.

Thanks in advance,
Dean

 

Sounds like its in your starter, take it off and open it up. I had to take my apart and clean up the brushes. There was also dirt and grim in there. Cleaned it all up with some contact cleaner and put it back together, works great now. Not real sure on the metallic sound, Knowsalot can help on that.

 

I agree.... at the risk of sounding totally retarded, where is the starter located? Is it behind the pull starter? That is the only place that I see wiring going into the case. I am locating a repair manual, but just curious in the meantime.

Thanks,
Dean

 

The starter is located on the front side of the engine. At the bottom. There are two 8mm screws holding it on, and the one main starter wire.

 

Got it, and I listened and it sounds like the noise is coming directly from that area. I'l tear into it tomorrow and see what I find.

Thanks,
Dean

 

Something else to look at is the starter runs the idler gear and that in turn is what turns the motor over via a gear on the back of the rotor(flywheel). If you take off the stator cover on the gear shift side you will be able to see all that would be making that noise. I just totally rebuilt my '88 split the case and replaced nearly everything with hi=pro parts and it makes a noise when using the electric startas well. The idler gear has bearing in it that may need to be replaced as well. Get a manual and review the layout before you pull it apart. A word of caution, if something has come loose in the area you mention it could get into the stator and tear it up, experiance here. Very expensive!! I would suggest you get a new gasket for that side of the case cover and pull it off and have a look.

Good luck.