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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: jefferygs500 on March 19, 2006, 12:15:47 PM

Title: a smack noise when starting
Post by: jefferygs500 on March 19, 2006, 12:15:47 PM
hey, I went out this morning and started the bike, and when i push the start button theres a pretty loud smack noise from some wheres. it only makes the noise when i click the button for the first time, it doesn't make it anymore, unless i leave the bike alone and try again a good while after. sounds like it's coming from the clutch cover i'm not sure tho,
thanks
Title: Re: a smack noise when starting
Post by: sledge on March 19, 2006, 01:08:18 PM
I am thinking it could be the noise generated by an electrical arc flashing over to to earth because it ties in with the start button being pressed. I would be removing all the covers and panels, inc the one over the starter motor and carefully examining all the cables and connections particularly on the HT side for evidence of damage etc.
Title: Re: a smack noise when starting
Post by: jefferygs500 on March 19, 2006, 03:32:21 PM
whats the hT side man?
Title: Re: a smack noise when starting
Post by: sledge on March 19, 2006, 03:36:43 PM
By HT I mean the High Tension side of the ignition circuit...the spark-plug leads.
Title: Re: a smack noise when starting
Post by: scratch on March 19, 2006, 07:25:35 PM
I was thinking it was either the solenoid opening or closing, or the starter motor solenoid (the one that engages the starter gear with the whatever-it's-called gear (idler starter gear?  Clutch?).
Title: Re: a smack noise when starting
Post by: Blueknyt on March 19, 2006, 08:47:00 PM
Quoteunless i leave the bike alone and try again a good while after. sounds like it's coming from the clutch cover


thinking more along the lines of posible starter clutch (sprag drive)  worn, can scare the hell outa ya but gen happens when its cold
Title: Re: a smack noise when starting
Post by: Thor S Magic Bathtub on March 20, 2006, 07:17:18 AM
Yeah, mine makes the same sound, particularily when it's cold outside and I'm trying to start it for the first time. Let me know if you find the problem... I haven't done anything about it since I got the bike last year and it hasn't gotten any worse but hasn't gotten any better either.
Title: Re: a smack noise when starting
Post by: GeeP on March 20, 2006, 09:39:32 AM
+1

A really loud Thwack! that sounds like you hit the engine case with a small hammer?  Best as I can tell that's the starter sprag clutch.  Mine does the same thing every now and then during the winter.  One day it will annoy me enough to rip it apart and find out why they fail so easily.  :laugh: