Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > Supersports: SS / SuperSport / Supersport 950 > Help with starter motor

[SSTU]

The bikes been laid up over winter when I came to start it with a full battery the starter moter will turn the engine once or twice then just spin not making contact.
After persivering with it it did catch long enough for the bike to fire up.
any ideas.

[chicken]

I had a similar problem (although was only about 3 weeks between ride) and I had it on the optimate all the time.

First time was a real pain to start, but the next 2 times it started on the button. I don't know whether it just needed "loosening up"?

What has your experience been since then?

Chi

[Rushjob]

When you say it spins not making contact, do you mean that the starter motor spins but the engine is not turning over?
If so, possibly the sprag clutch playing up?
Andy

[SSTU]

Yes I can here the starter motor spining but the engine dose'nt turn.
Chicken
I havent riden the bike yet no MOT or tax but I let the engine go cold and tride it again I had to use the choke but it started up first time Iwill try again in the morning. With any luck the problem will be because its not been run for so long.
Fingers Crossed.
I will let you know

[Edited on 14-2-2004 by SSTU]

[iceneweb]

do a google search on '"sprag clutch" ducati' cus i remember reading how someone fixed this by tightening up the spring, or something like that . . . . also, did you have a look at the clutch to see if it's not just gunged up?

[Edited on 14-2-2004 by iceneweb]

[SSTU]

Bike started on the second attept this morning the first try the starter motor just spun and did'nt turn the engine at all.
Ill have a look on the web for sprag clutch

[Iconic944ss]

My 900ss suffered a similar fate but there was a noticable clicking from the starter at the same time.

Turned out the brushes were almost completely worn out - once rebuilt all was hunky-dory once more

Frank

[Zimbo]

I too read about the sprag clutch spring tweak. It may have been on the Ducati Index (http://www.cowin-tech.com/ducati/Index.htm)

[SSTU]

Just to drag this one up again.
Q: to take the starter motor of you need to remove one side of the engine caseing this may sound silly but is there any oil in there do I have to drain the oil to get to the bolts which hold the motor in place my Hynes manual doesnt tell you to drain the oil but Id rather not take the chance.

[Iconic944ss]

Try all other possibilities first Stu.

I'm still not entirely sure how the Sprag Clutch works or if this is part of your problem.

However, if it is starter motor then here is a post I wrote when I was having problems:

http://www.ducatisportingclub.com/co...ad.php?tid=787

Good Luck - Frank