hi all,

Ive just had the whirrr of deathas the third starter clutch in 30,000kms gave way. the last tw were replaced with genuine parts. I already have an after market part waiting to be fitted but want to know if there is any particular reason for them wearing out so fast. The job isnt that hard to do, but at $150 for gen and $100 for non gen, its not a cheap deal. It also dents my trust in the bike. 

Any ideas? Its a fairly standard TC88

Cheers

(edited my mistake about kms. should have read 30k kms not 30, sorry)

Seems strange if you have installed the starter clutches correctly, and all other parts were ok !!! Have you thought about replacing the starter and be done with it ????[

Hey Taff60, is that the third starter clutch in 30 kms or 30,000 kms ????

I already have the clutch so its a cheaper option than a new motor. And the rest checks out ok.
My battery optimiser just came up with a weak battery indicator so I will be changing that. Its the original 2004 battery so Iv probably been on borrowed time.
It seems that a weak battery may cause a starter clutch to fail early.
I'm still open to ideas.
Here's hoping that the new battery cures it. If not I'l have to change the clutch.
Its bloody anoying!

Yea a new battery will go on as soon as the dealer opens on Tuesday.
Its 30k kms..............
I recon a genuine one s a must. Ten years is too long.

I agree with you Bangkok Bob that a bad battery or a battery on the way out will be at the top of the list to look at with starter problems, (especially when the battery is 10 years old). This will put major strain on the starter and the starter clutch . But 3 starter clutches in 30km !!!!!!!!! He must have had the starter clutch engaging (spinning) ,and trying to engage the pinion gear, (grinding), on the flywheel for very long intervals while trying to start the bike to destroy 3 stater clutches. After that much abuse, I would also want to check the teeth on the flywheel for damage !!!
Anyway taff60, install another starter clutch and a new battery and report back with the result !!! Good luck.

30,000kms sorry. My typo. But still very extreme I think.

Bugger, didn't think I would have to change one per year. Sorry about the 30,000 error.

taff60, I was having a little think of you predicament with your starter clutch going out '3 times' in 30,000 km. Yes get a new battery. With the old battery out Check and inspect your main battery cables for any damage etc. Check you main ground connections to frame. Now to your starter, I'm not having a go at your mechanical skills, but, as you have replaced the starter clutch 3 x times in 30,000 km, why don't you take the starter to an Auto Electrician, let them check out the starter as is, and let them replace the starter clutch and let them do a bench test in their workshop. Then install starter and new battery yourself, quick check of electrical system with a multi meter , and bobs your uncle. Most bases are covered .

Job is done and battery is replaced. This time is a heavy duty after market part. The clutch is an easy job, easier on later models without a jackshaft. Cables and terminals are fine, motor spins like a demon. Each time its been the one way clutch part that has given up. Thinking back, each time has been preceeded by a period of non use and flat battery type symptoms. Reading through all the posts here and in the US, I'm convinced with the battery being the culprit. It wasn't a cheap exercise with $140 for tye battery alone.
It gave me the push to change all the oils and adjust the clutch, so the bike is the winner.
With tye colder month around the corner, I will report back how it goes. And I will do a compression test. Im not sure of the history prior to 2011.

Good to hear your happy with the result. Just don't let her sit in the garage to long this time. !!!!! If you have to let her sit for long periods, I'd recommend a battery tender, (not a battery charger).

They funny thing is that I have a battery optimiser and use it for planned periods of inactivity. But sometimes, two days becomes four becomes a week. And either way, it can't make the battery last forever: as I found out!