This past Saturday night it got very cold at the Big River Sanddrags (29 F). Between races my engine cooled off to the point where I had to choke it, and when I was starting it the starter let out a squalling noise. After it warmed up the squall perished. Today the thermo hit 74 and no starter squall. Has anyone experienced this noise?

 

I have never taken mine to that temp. THe coldest that mine has seen is 50deg. and it just took a little bit more throttle pump to get it ove rand I let it warm up longer than normal and it ran fine. As long as it left after awhile and doesn`t do it on a regular basis then you dont have anything to worry about.

 

More than likly your oil was not the right kind for that temp... The starter and ignition assembly all work with a splash effect to lubricate all the parts.. My guess would be that your oil was gooey.. froze alittle

 

You are probably right for I run 20-50 non synthetic oil. Never had any problems with any of my other bikes in the winter running 20-50. I'll try a 10-40 maybe 10-30 to see if that helps. Thanks

 

It's not an engine oil issue (although that is a little too heavy a weight for low temperatures & being a non-synthetic) . It's a starter bushing issue. Mine has made that noise at higher temperatures as well, first time I heard it was an evening in July.

Disassemble and lubricate.

 

Starters don't run in oil.

 

You are absolutely right! They don't run in oil!

My starter went on the fritz. I thought I burnt a spot in the brushes.

When we pulled it off, the starter was FULL of oil. I couldn't believe it.

Checked the fiche, no parts missing, cleaned it up and put it back together.

And I am extremely carefull to fill the machine properly when changing the oil....

Really wierd,

RM

 

the fly wheel section of the 400EX has oil oil is splashed up to the starter through the gears.. If you pull your fly wheel cover you will find oil comes out

 

Have you seen one out ?some other brands don't use that theroy ,I haven't had any problems yet.

 

ummm..yes.. many times...In my mods you will notice that i have a flywheel ignition key... if you pull the 4-8mm bolts of the starter cover and put your finger in there or just pull the gear out it will have an oil film over it..