Friends:

After putting the Mikuni carbs on my bike my starter has failed. Does any one have a starter for a 1988 Ducati Paso 750?

Any help would be appreciated.

Brett

You need starter motor or what?
What are the symptoms?

Gert:

The starter failed during the process of installing and restarting the bike with new carbs. I was compelled to run the starter quite a bit, and during this process the starter began to fail intermittently, despite a resounding *CLICK* from the solenoid relay under the seat. Now it has failed altogether. The solenoid relay continues to make its *CLICK.* Tapping the bugger with a hammer, rocking the bike, etc does not work.

I am taking the battery in for a load test. It was somewhat low in acid mixture, but I've topped it off with distilled water. At this point, baring an issue with the battery, my best guess is the starter itself.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

brett

Don't worry! it might be a simple (and cheaper!) brushas failure!
Have a look in the F.A.Q. digest

If it's as Nicola told, you're quite lucky.
You can change easily (and cheaply) the brushes because those older starters allow replacing the brushes, while the latest don't allow it.
Ciao

So you get the click and total silence or a click with the whirring of a motor?

If it's total silence then pulling the end cap off from the starter motor and seeing if the brushes are toast is quite easy. They are also easy to replace as I did this last year.

If you hear the whirring of the motor then it could be the sprag (starter clutch) that isn't engaging. This is also a fix that's kind of easy if you have the skills.

John:

The starter makes no sound whatsoever. I looked at the starter 'sprag' section, and I am relieved that I don't have to work on that!

The battery tested at 231 CCA, so I conclude the battery is fine. I'll have the starter off the bike this week.

Brett

Before pulling the starter off, which involves taking off the left side case cover, pull the end cap of the starter to check the brushes. There are 2 long bolts that hold the end cap on. I had to remove the oil lines and fittings that connect to the cooler to fully service it. When you pull the end cap, hold the motor section (barrel shape part) from coming off too. The brushed are just like some Hon-duh parts so you can just cut one off and take it to a local dealer and get 2 new ones. When I got them, I had to do some filing on them to make them fit properly. They are soft carbon so the filing was easy. I then soldered them in and put it back together. New Starter!!!

Check this for some generic instructions: http://www.jackssmallengines.com/atv_starter_tips.html

I also agree... check out the brushes before disassembling the engine. I also once replaced the brushes - The starter is japanese - DENSO, and the brushes and plate are stock parts almost everywhere.... in europe anyway...

Friends:

Can I replace the brushes without removing the starter from the bike? That's hard to believe!

Removing the left hand side case cover shouldn't be hard...right? I was assuming I'd have to dump the oil in the case to get to the starter. John's right - the hose and hose junctions at the engine case are blocking access to the screws. I'd be willing to start with the right hand side of the starter to verify the condition of the brushes, but there doesn't seem a universe that doesn't include removing the left hand engine case cover regardless of what I find.

Unless I jump the starter directly and it works, which I'll do tonight.

BTW - thanks for the info that this is a DENSO unit. That should simplify the process of acquiring the brushes.

brett

Yup, you can and should. You will be doing the exact same work (if it's the brushes) if you take the left side cover off and pull the starter and THEN take the end cap off. You don't need to remove it to do this repair.

Removing the case cover isn't hard but it's more work than needed plus you need a new gasket for it. You shouldn't use sealer on it as the gasket sets a clearance between cover and case.

1. Voltage at starter`?
2. Try jump start before checking brushes.
Start = OK starter motor, other problem like battery or solenoid.

Brushes can be reached w/o removing alternator cover, I`ve also dunnit.

I usually cut my own gaskets. It's very easy to do, saves money, and you get a better gasket. A good automotive shop will have sheets or rolls of gasket paper, and you can select the grade you want. You can get paper that will 'cut itself' - all you do is cut out the general shape of the gasket, including holes for location plugs, etc, then, with the rough gasket in place, tap down on the paper with a rubber mallet or a wooden block, and the gasket will more of less cut itself. You'll probably have to do some trimming, and don't forget holes for oilways.

I cut a gasket for the left side case a couple of years back without any trouble at all.