starter remedy

[Jake]

I upgraded 83 750 with a second generation starter and after several setbacks (losing cam timing orientation on rear cylinder when changing flywheel with a better specimen, no spark due to not shimming pick-up sensor for ignition with new left side engine cover installed to name a couple) the starter would not stay engaged with the flywheel.

I had a new 4 brush motor, new starter gear, I even de-burred the flywheel teeth and coated the teeth with a dry moly coating when it was apart, new fully charged battery that was 12.71 volts on a digital fluke meter.

Come on now, give me a break.

While I was contemplating exactly which spot in the Sake River canyon I was going to shove the Kobashi Maru (my wife's name for the bike) I noticed some metal shims in the tool chest that came from a chevy starter. Chevy uses shims sometimes to space the starter gear from the flywheel and the wheels started turning. Would shimming my solenoid back a little help the starter engagement?

With little to loose I ground off one side (so they would fit and not rub on the solenoid plunger shaft) of two slightly thick washers (guessing about 1/8th inch thick) and put them between the solenoid and the motor. Long story short, I wish the starter on my 92 Virago worked and sounded as good. That's all it took to get a little bit more engagement and success. To date I haven't heard of anyone else doing this so I want to spread the news. For whats it's worth that's my story, hope it helps someone.

[bstig60]

Thank's for the info. If you mean the Snake River Canyon, I am guessing you are in Idaho. Knowing your location makes it easier for use to help you with your problems. Please edit your profile to show your location.,...

[Jake]

Would you happen to have pictures of the shims, and or the part numbers for the shims, and the exact placement of the shims ?