engine spins?

[hamogirl]

Ok. I've searched but can't seem to find a thread that sounds like my issue. I've got a 2003 SV650S. So I went to start my bike after it had been sitting for about a week and it began to turn over but then died out. I went to start it again and it sounds like something is spinning but not even attempting to turn over. I put the battery on a charger and put it back in but still nothing, just the spinning sound. I even took the battery to an advanced auto store and they checked it out and said it tested good. I've had the bike for about 8 months so I'm not sure how old the battery is. Also, the battery is apears to be sealed. I'm used to seeing the car batteries that can be filled with distilled water. Does this have anything to do with it? (Not being able to refill it)

[CoryUT]

Sounds like your starter/sprag clutch. Have you tried push starting?

http://fiche.ronayers.com/Index.cfm/...TARTER_CLUTCH_

http://www.ronayers.com/browseparts....e.ronayers.com

It's a pretty straight-forward replacement, and a bad one is obvious when you handle it. It will fall apart in your hands.

[hamogirl]

Thanks. I haven't tried to push start it yet. I've never done it before but I've been looking at some video's on youtube on how to do it. I'll try that next.

[jiari]

Similar thing happened to me on an 06. Went on a 2 week trip. Got on the bike for a quick spin and engine spun. Somehow, the front spark came loose. Tightend it up and away I went. It was working fine for about a month (I did the tappet clearance check a month before). Probably not the same thing, but it would take less than 20 minutes to check that the sparks are seated properly.
Some good ideas from the tread too.

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=111300

[D'Ecosse]

It does indeed sound like the starter clutch (aka sprag)
Pull the stator cover to see what is going on when you operate the starter

[hamogirl]

Thanks for all the advice and the links. I'll check the spark plugs today. If it is actually the starter clutch and I have to replace it, is there a tutorial or pictures to show where it's located? I think I could do it myself if I just see a picture of where it is.

[D'Ecosse]

I'm not sure if jiari's interpretation of 'spinning' is same as yours - or my perception of how you are describing the problem:
You press the starter button, can hear the electrical motor and something turning - however the engine itself is not cranking?
(I think jiari means his engine cranking but not firing)
If I described your situation correctly hamogirl, the spark plug connections would most certainly have nothing to do with that.

What does the starter clutch do?
It's a device that only allows engagement in one direction - so when you operate the starter motor, the gear engages and turns the crankshaft. However when the engine starts it will disengage from the starter gear so it does not transfer power back to the starter and thus keep the starter spinning. If the starter clutch is broken it will not transfer the power from the starter gear to the crankshaft and just spin over (as you describe) without engaging

The starter clutch is behind the generator rotor - biggest part of the job is just removing the rotor. You need a tool to hold the crank so you can remove the rotor nut.
As I suggest, first off, just pull the stator cover to see what's going on.

Get yourself a copy of the manual (search & you'll find some download sources) - see section 3-82.

[JonnyRocket]

Get a Haynes manual. They usually have good descriptions and pictures of assembly and dis-assembly.

BTW, it is definitely not the spark plugs. It is probably not likely, but if the bike has been sitting outside, you may have some corrosion on the starter clutch rollers that is preventing them from engaging properly. A good cleaning may be all that is required.

[hamogirl]

so i finally found out the problem...it wasn't the starter clutch afterall...it was a little half moon shaped piece (i think it's called some type of "key") that broke off in that same area where the starter clutch is and was causing the spinning...so it will probably be another week or two before i'll be able to get the piece and put in some new oil....

[hamogirl]

I've been all over town looking for that little key...a guy at napa auto parts gave me one but it's a hair to long so I may have to shave it down. I would like to find one that's the exact fit though. When I went to a motorcycle shop the owner told me he could order one but it doesn't specify a size. I have a few more places to check out before I go that route.