starter problems

[CIC2016]

All,

I'm finished with my latest build, and am having problems with my starter. I have a brand new 1.4kw starter, and I believe it's an Ultima, but I'm not sure. The guts look identical to an OEM EVO starter. I always use a direct starter button to make starting easier and simpler.

I'm running an Ultima 127, so of course, the starter has to work hard to turn this engine.

Th last time I tried to turn the motor, there was a tiny poof of smoke, and it now will not even click at the starter. I looked inside the solenoid, and all of the copper contact points look new without any burnt contact points. I tested continuity from battery to starter post, but still nothing at the starter.

I'm trying to avoid pulling the starter if possible because it is a HUGE pain to get in and out with very little clearance. What should I check next?

[Spade115]

Are you running compression release on the motor? I know some bigger engines, if they arent cleared, wont even turn.

Could be that, or your battery is low. Do you have a jump starter? (I use an Antigravity Xp10)

[golfish]

Ya got to check power at the starter when you push the button..

Did it ever start the engine ?

[CIC2016]

Originally Posted by golfish

Ya got to check power at the starter when you push the button..

Did it ever start the engine ?

It did before I replaced the polished case 6 speed transmission with a Primo chrome one.

I replaced the starter with a 2.0 Spyke starter, which is known to be good. I also placed a secondary ground to one of the starter mounting bolts and tapped and mounted it directly to the frame. This starter will not turn. I suspect that it’s because it’s a chrome starter mounted to a chrome transmission and isn’t making a good ground. What else can I do?

[ramfootball36]

If you are getting power to the starter and have been using the solenoid button before, I would make sure your engine is turning freely with the plugs out. You said you replaced the transmission, so in the process of reinstalling the primary, just make sure nothing is binding on the ring gear or the stator rotor. Not sure what came off when you did the job, but it’s at least one more thing to look at. Also, have you tried an entirely different battery? Sometimes I’ve seen them test out fine, but still have no juice to spin. If you don’t have comp releases, I would absolutely get those installed…..makes life so much easier for the battery/starter. In terms of ground issues caused by the chrome, I certainly wouldn’t think that would be the culprit. It seems like you’ve addressed about everything else, keep us updated on what you find.

[CIC2016]

the engine spins freely and does have compression releases. Even if the engine was locked up, you would still hear the starter attempt to turn the ring gear on the clutch basket.

In my experience, even if the battery is weak, it would at least push out the starter a little. It has good lights, brakes and the ignition light in the nose cone has power.

I tested the power inlet on the starter from the battery and it has 12 volts. What else could it be besides a ground? Iĺl take some jumper cables tomorrow and see if I can get a better ground on the engine or somewhere else.

[Tortolabob2]

Double up on your ground leads

[CIC2016]

doubled up on the grounds and replaced the Chinese lithium battery and it roles quickly. Now if I could only fix the grinding jackshaft, the missing cylinder when the engine heats up, and a weird noise on the primary side I think is the rotor needing a shim up front...