My TR1 is having starter problems.The starter turns and the solenoid engages the starter OK but the motot only turns over occasionally.
1) Do these motors use a sprag clutch?
2) If so is the clutch in the starter or the engine
3) Are they difficult to fix
4) Are they repairable or do I need new parts
5)What else could be the cause.
Any information would be helpful
Thanks and Ride safe,
Chris

Hi Chris,
1) yes,TR1 engine uses a sprag clutch
2) clutch is behind lhs engine cover, no need to disassemble the complete engine or starter
3)difficult to fix - no, if it is really the clutch. Please see the microfiche in the "technical information" on this site, on page C7 and C8 you will find some illustrations for starter and clutch. Engine cover needs to be removed, and starter drive gears plus solenoid and appropriate linkage needs to be removed. Clutch can be exchanged, if you have a new or better part - but it can also be welded together, that there cant be any movement in the clutch furthermore. I have done this several years ago already, without any negative effect to the starter.
However, it must not be the starter clutch. The clutch was the first solution I tried to resolve the same problem, and it did not help at all. Reason for slippage in the starter drive was a slipping outer gear ring of planetary transmission inside the starter assembly. Refer to microfiche C7, the part of starter housing located between partnumbers #3 and #9 includes a planetary transimission, where the outer gear ring should be fixed to the housing. This one was loose in my starter and could not carry required forces to turn the engine. On this website you will find many solutions for this issue, unfortunately most in German. Some guys are using additional washers, my solution was 2 component glue, to fix the ring in the housing again, and it works since many years now.
Complete new starter transmission is sometimes offered in the Internet.

Hope this helps you out.

Jürgen

Thanks Jürgen,
Very helpful. I am considering getting a 4 brush starter from the US. If I do that it should fix things if the problem is NOT the sprag?
Ride safe,
Chris

Thanks Jürgen,
I owe you a beer! The outer ring inside the starter is VERY loose.
Easy to fix when you know the problem
Ride safe,
Chris