Starter noise

[sr903]

Sometimes when I hit the starter on my 85 900, I hear clatter from the starter/alternator chain slapping the inside of the case, other times it's quiet. Can the chain stretch enough to jump on the sprocket? Sometimes it sounds like it does. I'm hopeing that I can just replace the chain and/or tensioner instead of the starter clutch. Anyone had this problem yet? Thanks for any help.

[sr903]

Ok, I've learned something here. Right after I put up this post about the starter racket, the problem got worse and about half of the time the starter would actually disengage. Now I was sure that my starter clutch was going, but I had the chain and tensioner so I replaced them (even though all looked good). Made no difference. I knew all along that this had come about right after I changed to synthetic (Amsoil motorcycle) oil so I went ahead and changed back to petroleum oil. Problem solved. The synthetic is great oil, the bike shifted smooth as silk, but that starter clutch sure didn't like it.

[zlMark]

wow i had the same symptoms come to think about it. I was running 20/50 amsoil and switched to golden spectro 10/40 synthetic, much better now, shifting is improved too.

[Southernstyle]

Hmmmm, very interesting indeed. Was the conventional oil the same weight as the synthetic?
Later,
SS

[iohyou1a]

yes, i'm going through the same thing.i don't like being the 1 with bummer 411,it's your starter clutch assemby,it is a weak design against the mass torque the cylinders produce,ave.comp.201=205psi at 11.1comp..so anyhow time to split the cases in half...good luck in your future..peace'out :)

[zot]

Cant hardly accept that it's the oil.....I have run Amsoil for over ten years now, fiddled around with different weights and all, but never had this problem...(yet).

[Wstar425]

I can believe it is the oil.

Not experienced with the starter clutches on the ZL, but V65 Magnas have issues with starter clutches and more so the clutch with the super slippery stuff for the new cars. The low friction modifiers or whatever they add. Need some friction apparently in a clutch, imagine that!

The ZL S/C may be a bad or weak design as well.

[ZLrider]

I can believe it is the oil.

Not experienced with the starter clutches on the ZL, but V65 Magnas have issues with starter clutches and more so the clutch with the super slippery stuff for the new cars. The low friction modifiers or whatever they add. Need some friction apparently in a clutch, imagine that!

The ZL S/C may be a bad or weak design as well.

And that friends in a nutshell is the only real reason to stay away from synthetic. Wet clutches do not like it. Apparently neither do the starters. Slippery is only good to a point......

[Wstar425]

And that friends in a nutshell is the only real reason to stay away from synthetic. Wet clutches do not like it. Apparently neither do the starters. Slippery is only good to a point......

I never said anything about synthetic, maybe I did not make myself clear. I personally don't use synthetics, mostly due to the cost. With 6 bikes, I do not put enough miles on any one bike to need more than one oil change a year, for the most part. I change all oil every spring no matter how many miles are on the bike. I will not mention a brand, but if you want to know what I use feel free to PM me. I do not care to get involved in an oil war. You should use what works for you.

I was talking specifically about car oils that contain the wording "energy conserving" in the little circle on the back. I am looking at NAPA oil, made by Vavoline 5w-30 that we use in most of our cars. It is API service SM and meets all previous service requirements. I would not use this oil in any bike with a wet clutch. I can not confirm what it does to starter clutches, especially in the Kawasaki as I have never seen one. I have seen several "starter" clutches in the V65 and again can not confirm that this oil would be an issue, but I would not use it. I think it is usually the lower weight first numbers that are considered "energy saving" and are for sure an issue with some drive line clutches.

If I did not mention it I DO NOT WANT TO GET INTO AN OIL WAR!!!!!!

[Jim L]

Not getting into an oil war- I use Kawasaki oil, anyone have any thoughts on this?-Good or bad?
Jim

[golddrakul]

Not getting into an oil war- I use Kawasaki oil, anyone have any thoughts on this?-Good or bad?
Jim
Jim, this was just the subject of a very heated debate a couple of weeks ago, here's the thread:

http://www.zl-oa.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11388

Enjoy! :)

[iohyou1a]

Yes, I,m having that said problem as well W/my 85.zl9,A1.at 48Kmiles

[brick_71]

Just this past summer I had the same problem, the bike started fine while it was cold, but when the engine warmed up and I shut the bike off, it made the same noises you are refering to. $1200 later I had a new starter clutch and gears. Your starter clutch may be going out.

[gosupes]

It's an easy fix if you don't mind splitting the case. The best method is to upgrade to the ZG1000 style. Read about it in the tech section.