82 650sc starter problem, help

[srastoder]

My 650 won't start. The battery is full, solenoid clicks in and the starter spins weeeeeeeee. it does not kick in and turn the engine. the engine was running before I started painting the panels just 2 months ago and oil changed at that time. I am not sure if it is starter it self and how to test it, or if it's the sprag clutch inside the engine . Need help. If it's not the starter, do I need to tear down the engine to fix it?

[Munkey]

Pull the starter off. Stick your finger in the hole and see if the gear there spins in both directions. If it does, your starter clutch is broken. If it will only spin one direction, then pull the ignition cover off the side of the crank and turn the engine with a wrench while watching the alternator (there should be an arrow there telling you which way to turn the engine). If the alternator does not turn with the engine, then the starter/alternator chain is broken.

Either of which will require pulling the engine and splitting the cases to fix.

[srastoder]

Thanks Munkey, I will try that and report back. Or I can just pay you some gas and I can get the beer and we fix it in my garage. I'm only 2 hrs from you, right outside Bowling Green

[srastoder]

Ok. The gear in starter hole is turning only one way toward the front (good). Now, what are you calling ignition cover? I assume the pulsator one on the right, where you check the timing. The one on the left is alternator stator. Anyway, there is no arrow pointing the direction, so do I turn clOckwise or anti.
Also, would it be bad to turn the ignition on while the starter is out of the engine to see if the starter shaft is spinning outside the engine? Just to test it

[Munkey]

Sorry, wasn't paying enough attention. The 82 650 does not have the alt/starter chain. So you're off the hook on that. Alternaotr is on the left end of the crank and will always turn when the crank turns so that test is no good.

I don't see any issue with hitting the power to the starter with it not bolted to the bike. Just make sure it's held solidly because it will jump pretty good when the power hits it.

I had an 82 650 that I rebuilt the engine on but it's been awhile and don't remember everything that pertains to the starter.

[Bumblebee]

I assume the pulsator one on the right, where you check the timing. The one on the left is alternator stator. Anyway, there is no arrow pointing the direction, so do I turn clOckwise or anti.

The pulsator is on the right side and that's where you turn the crankshaft with a socket. I've been working on too many other engines lately, my manual isn't with me, and my brain is completely fried however I think it turns clockwise. Check your manual to be sure. If you turn it slow with the kill switch off, it won't hurt anything to turn it either direction as long as everything is still assembled minus the starter for a turn or two. Don't turn it further than necessary since if it's going backward, it won't be supplying oil to the camshaft. There is no starter/alternator chain on this engine.

Also, would it be bad to turn the ignition on while the starter is out of the engine to see if the starter shaft is spinning outside the engine? Just to test it

Ground the starter to the engine case with a wire, hold it so the gear won't grind against anything then push the button. No big deal as long as you don't go crazy.

While the starter is off, check the oil seal o-ring on the starter next to the gear where it slides into the engine case. If it's hard or cracked, replace it because it will end up leaking otherwise.

[srastoder]

Thank you all for the imput. I will tackle this in a few days and post up the results. Thank you