Screeching noise while starting.

[carotman]

Hi!

I'm a new guy here! I don't have a Vision but one of my friends just happens to be a new Vision owner. I'll make sure he joins this forum. I just happen to be the dedicated mechanic of his Vision.

There are a couple of things to do in order to have a perfect running bike but I'll start with the starting issue.

When I press on the starter button, it sometimes takes a second before the starter actually spins. When it spins, you can hear a screeching noise. When the engine runs, there is no odd noise whatsoever.

I read here that the starter bushings might need to be lubricated. Well, I took the starter apart and it had plenty of grease. I still cleaned the thing and re-greased it thoroughly.

However, once reassembled, the noise is still there :( I can't tell if it's better or not but I think there's some kind of improvement.

What are your thoughts on this? Worn out starter bushings? Broken starter clutch?

[fret not]

It could be a worn or broken starter clutch.  You will have to take it apart to find out, but you will have access to the bolts to see if they are peened or not.

[QBS]

Not sure what you are referring to as starter bushings.  However, both ends of the starter motor armature ride in unlubricated plain bearings.  I had a problem with my '83 that seems similar to what you describe.  It was a screech emanating from the starter motor, that continued until the armature stopped turning.  I diagnosed it as sounding like a dry plain bearing.  For me, a light application of grease fixed everthing.  I feel that anytime the armature is out, and its' end bearings are dry, that they should be lightly greased as preventative maintenance.

...How many miles on the bike?

...Do you know the history of the starter motor oil seal upgrade?

...Do you you know the history of the starter clutch reattachment upgrade?

When the starter clutch slips it too makes a screeching sound, but in a lower pitch. It is often accompanied by various and sundry assorted worrisome bad mechanical sounds.  The starter clutch will slip and make these sounds even if its' housing is not cracked.  Perhaps worn rollers or weak springs are part of the problem.  Any roller exhibiting even the slightest flat spot should be replaced.  Not a lot of $.

Welcome to the Forum.  Every V needs a dedicated mechanic.  Please keep us posted about your V adventures.  We are here to help.

[carotman]

The bike has around 22K miles (35 000 km).

I know the previous owner replaced most of the gaskets and also replaced the clutch. The battery has been drained recently because the key was left in the "P" position.

I'll take a video of what the bike is doing when starting. Anyway, I guess I won't have any other choice but to open the left side case and check the starter clutch condition.

[QBS]

Which clutch are you refering to when you say "replaced the clutch", starter clutch or transmission clutch?

At 22k miles, if it hasn't been done, the starter clutch must be reattached or you'll be very sorry real soon.

[carotman]

The transmission clutch has been replaced (sorry for the confusion).

I guess it's time to hit the dealer and get a side cover gasket!

[Tiger]

I guess it's time to hit the dealer and get a side cover gasket!

:)$20 to $25.00 at the dealer...or you can contact Tiger and get one for $10.00 + shipping from Ontario mon ami ;)

                  8) ....... TIGER ....... 8)

[QBS]

If at all possible attain the Haynes manual for the V.  FYI Lucky has CDs for sale that contain virtually everything ever written about the V.  Including the Haynes manual.  Contact him for details.

You really need the Haynes.  Example: Are all the left engine cover screws the same?  If not, how to get them back to their correct locations?

[Lucky]

it's a DVD actually, too much info for a CD..

[Re-Vision]

Do a search under "cover screws proud" and read the comments in the "Starter Clutch Repair" posts. Good info.     BDC

[Tiger]

 :) This should be of help... http://ridersofvision.net/rovforum/index.php?topic=10678.0

                8) ....... TIGER ....... 8)

[carotman]

The owner did get the Haynes manual with the bike (yeah).

I'll get one of those gaskets from you Tiger.