what does it take to remove the starter? do I need to disconnect the motor?

 

It depends on if you can reach the bolts. It may help to remove the bolts holding the footpegs on so that you can move them out of the way. I'm having a problem with mine at the moment. The relay clicks, but the starter doesn't bugde. Is it cooked?
Thanks,
Mike [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

turns slow, now relay clicks starter does nothing when you put power to the starter it turns

 

I asked the same ? in another post.
I tried to remove it with out disconecting the front eng bolt and could not do it. I also considered di assembleing the starter but decided not to.
LT80 responded saying it could not be done with out the front motor mount being disconected.
your post was kind of fuzzy but it sounds like the battery may be low that usually makes the relay chatter or the starter bedix is stuck that is if you say the starter spins but does not turn the motor.

 

so when you put power straight to the starter it works? i'd say it's your relay (solenoid). mine would make the clicking noises too, but it didn't work. you can jump those 2 red wires (soleniod removed) to confirm it's your relay (use same gauge jumper). also, you are engaging the emerg brake before trying elec start aren't you?? i'd recommend getting the pull start for back-up.

to remove, first slam your nuts in a vice because it's just as much fun. seriously, you need to remove carb, and remove motor mounts on front. remove metal pegs and bolts holding them in place. then i used a pry bar to move motor to get access to wiggle the starter out at a goofy angle. i stood mine on end (shut off fuel petcock), and it was easier to see what was going on. you can replace brush plate on starter, or armature, rather than steep $$ it costs for a new starter. the starter is only held in by 2 long screws on the belt cover case side.

 

I had the same problem with the relay just clicking turns out my battery was no good.It would read 12 volts ,but when you would hit the button it would fall to about 2 volts.I replaced the battery and had no problems since.Take the battery out and connect some jumper cables directly to the leads and see what it does.

 

I did a load test on the batt it was good (I wish that was the problem ). There is no easy way to remove the starter I found out. Guess i'll buy the pull start kit, the electric starter is expensive$$. When I jump the relay the starter turns slow, sounds bad, and the starter wire is heats up.

 

My starter was bad also,i found out about the battery after the fact.They have em on ebay,brand new for around $100.I payed $170,i found the ones on ebay after i had already installed the new one.It's not that bad just loosen the front engine bolt and the foot peg bolts and then pry the engine up with a crowbar.

 

don't forget you can replace starter parts, like brushes (which is usually what's worn out, costs about $35.)

 

I removed the starter and took it apart what do the brushes look like?