Going sans-starter for awhile

A while back, the starter on my 75 850 finally gave up the ghost. I've decided to do without it for a while, mainly because of cost and the fact that she fires up in two kicks when she's cold. I never used it much anyway.

I had to take the primary apart to chase down an oil leak and I'm ready to put it back together again. So here's my question. Is there any problem with just leaving out the sprag clutch, the thrust washers, the crank gear assembly, the anti-kickback assembly, and the idler gear in the back of the primary case? I'm just going to leave the old starter in to fill up the hole but can't see any reason to put these other parts back in until the time (if ever) I decide to replace the starter. I wouldn't mind riding for a while without worrying about when the next sprag was going to self-destruct. Thanks for any advice.

rdleeart said:

A while back, the starter on my 75 850 finally gave up the ghost. I've decided to do without it for a while, mainly because of cost and the fact that she fires up in two kicks when she's cold. I never used it much anyway.

I had to take the primary apart to chase down an oil leak and I'm ready to put it back together again. So here's my question. Is there any problem with just leaving out the sprag clutch, the thrust washers, the crank gear assembly, the anti-kickback assembly, and the idler gear in the back of the primary case? I'm just going to leave the old starter in to fill up the hole but can't see any reason to put these other parts back in until the time (if ever) I decide to replace the starter. I wouldn't mind riding for a while without worrying about when the next sprag was going to self-destruct. Thanks for any advice.

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You should at least remove the antibackfire device. Removing the sprag and gear also would prevent wear on the sprag so it would still be in good shape should you decide use the starter again. Jim

I used a points cover from a Triumph, with a home-made gasket, to block the starter hole. Saves a few pounds...

grandpaul said:

I used a points cover from a Triumph, with a home-made gasket, to block the starter hole. Saves a few pounds...

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The other thing you could use is the drive side end from the duff starter itself. A slightly trimmed US nickel can be epoxied into the hole.

Thanks guys. I always know where to go when I need some sage advice.

Biscuit said:

grandpaul said:

I used a points cover from a Triumph, with a home-made gasket, to block the starter hole. Saves a few pounds...

Click to expand...

The other thing you could use is the drive side end from the duff starter itself. A slightly trimmed US nickel can be epoxied into the hole.

Click to expand...

Ditto on the end cap of the starter. I put a grommet in the end hole then inserted a small 90 degree plastic elbow into that to act as a vent. Then painted it shiny silver, it's almost invisible.
Things get pretty hot inside the primary case and there is no real vent, I'm thinking this has helped prevent oil leaks, on this side anyway.
Ride On
Dave

The Buckeye Rider said:

Ditto on the end cap of the starter. I put a grommet in the end hole then inserted a small 90 degree plastic elbow into that to act as a vent. Then painted it shiny silver, it's almost invisible.
Things get pretty hot inside the primary case and there is no real vent, I'm thinking this has helped prevent oil leaks, on this side anyway.
Ride On
Dave

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Dave,
How is your Mk 3 Primary chain case vent working out? Any misting of oil coming out of it? If so, have you done anything to resolve it? Is the 90 degree elbow pointed up, down, rearwards? Any breather hose attached to it? Perspiring minds want to know!

I removed just the sprag ten years ago when it failed.
Leaving everything else intact did not present a problem.
About six months ago I popped a new sprag in place, no problems to date, only a couple of dozen starts.
Other than temporary weight reduction, is there a mechanical reason for removing any part of the starter gear other than the sprag?

I suppose the needle bearing and race take wear, but they were still in fine shape, about 16,000 miles since sprag removal.

Even with the sprag or other drive parts removed, hit the starter button now and then to operate the starter motor.

We had two Warn electric winches on matching Dodge Power Wagons.
I used mine at least every week for years, no problem.
My Dad left his unused for two years then needed it badly one day. Pulled the switch on and no go.
We eventually pulled the motor apart and it was corroded beyond repair by electrolysis.
A little use now and then keeps things working.

Glen

I remove everything related to the electric start and use the appropriate spacers on the crankshaft to put the rotor in its proper place.

chaztuna said:

Dave,
How is your Mk 3 Primary chain case vent working out? Any misting of oil coming out of it? If so, have you done anything to resolve it? Is the 90 degree elbow pointed up, down, rearwards? Any breather hose attached to it? Perspiring minds want to know!

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Chaztuna, elbow pointing down and back, no misting. I've had this setup for years without any problems. I gutted all the parts from the primary and put them in the Tupperware container with the starter motor.