Starter Clutch Problems

Hello everyone.

I am having issues with the starter clutch in a 1985 ZN700 LTD - from what i've read, these are quite similar to the KZ750 models so if you've worked on the starter clutch before your input would be of great value to me.

Alright, what happens is when you press the starter button, the starter spins and cranks the engine over once, then there is a grinding noise - the starter motor continues to spin, but the starter clutch doesn't continue to crank the engine.

I have disassembled everything needed to remove the secondary shaft and have replaced the starter clutch springs, pins, and rollers that rest on the end. Parts 92081, 92043, 92122 in the image below. Before completely reassembling, I have tried to crank it over, and the problem persists.

Also below I have a youtube link viewing the starter clutch area. This shows the starter sprocket (part 12046) continuing to spin without the motor cranking.

Thats all I know - any help would be appreciated.

Hopefully this thread will be of use to others down the road.
Regards,
Splazoid

YouTube view of starter area

That looks a little different than my KZ750B, but I have a similar issue that I've been attributing to a weak starter motor.

Mine does crank, but if for any reason it doesn't crank up right away (like I forget to turn the choke on), it'll spin a couple times, then make a grinding noise like that.

I replaced my starter clutch springs and pins just like you, expecting that to solve the problem, but it didn't.

I know from bench testing my starter armature that it's got some issues. I kind of figured that's the problem.

My solution was to get more comfortable kick starting the bike and wait until the starter really fails before worrying more about it.

Have you tested the starter armature?

If similar, perhaps this video may also help --



Good Fortune!

Thanks, but already watched that video and followed his repair exactly.

removed the starter motor and tested directly to my battery. it worked fine. ill try removing and cleaning out the starter motor, but im not thinking this would be caused by a weak motor.

>>>EDIT
Cleaned the starter motor and brushes as well as regreased the planetary gear. Spins a bit better, but the issue persists.

Other ideas?

Had a similar problem with my KZ1100-A2. Found the starter clutch casting was excessively worn where the three rollers (are supposed to) grab, so I wound up replacing with a new unit. That solved the problem on mine.
Speedy repair wishes

Just to make sure, you're referring to part 13193?

check the starter bendix.