Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Hard to start

[dukess1999]

Bought a '94 748 a couple of weeks ago; it has got progressively harder to start. The starter motor makes a pretty hideous clattering noise and now makes a clicking noise after a few revs (the battery is fully charged).
Any help apreciated.

[Felix]

Sounds like the Sprague clutch (starter clutch). From your other post, this is apparently a 1994 bike, so this kind of wear would probably not be unexpected.

Not difficult to sort. Left hand side cover off and you'll be staring right at it.

If you only get clickling noises and the starter motor doesn't spin (whirr), it's likely the starter solenoid, located in front of the battery in a rubber mount.

[Edited on 4-8-2003 by Felix]

[Rattler]

You can get the noises that you describe with a flat battery too. The starter motor is a bugger to swap, so I'd check the battery first.

Maybe its fully charged to start with, but isn't charged enough to turn her over. It may also be an alternator issue and not necessarily the battery.

Have you got an Optimate?
This will keep the battery fully charged at all times and may cure the issue?

Tim

[stoddy]

Would go with Rattler on this one, had the same as what you are saying but the battery has to be tip top to start an engine with a high compresion.
Also get an optimate.