Topic: Running without a starter motor

[Gamma]

I want to run my CB750 without the Starter motor fitted.
I intend to remove the starter motor and also the small starter gear wheel and shaft inside the alternator cover. (I shall blank the starter shaft hole)
I notice that the starter clutch gear can move in and out on the Crankshaft.

Question is:  Can I leave the starter Clutch in place or must I remove the Rotor and discard it?
Thanks.

[Gamma]

No I don't mean discard the rotor.  Just the starter clutch gear.

[bill440cars]

        My recommendation would be to remove every single piece that has to do with the starter, including the starter clutch gear. You don't need something in there that could, without any warning, come loose or lock things up, ya know?

                                                   Later on, Bill

[Gamma]

Thanks.
Looks like I shall have to remove it then.

[bill440cars]

          Just to be on the safe side, ya know? No sense in taking chances.

                                              Later on, Bill

[BobbyR]

Save all the parts so when your leg gets tired you can put them back on and start it in a civilized manner. 

[bill440cars]

Save all the parts so when your leg gets tired you can put them back on and start it in a civilized manner. 

          Good point Bobby, didn't think to mention saving all the parts, for whatever reason!

                                                           Later on, Bill

[mwohlenhaus]

that is piss poor advice to tell him to remove the starter gear without mentioning that the starter gear covers up a hole in the crank that feeds the bushing for the starter gear.  If you remove this gear, without plugging that hole, you will lose oil pressure to your motor...that's bad.  I just about did this with my hopped up motor, dang would that have made me mad.  if you really want to lighten the alternator, take the starter clutch assembly off the rotor, but leave that gear there unless you can fab up a bushing to cover that hole.

[Gamma]

OK, makes interesting reading.
All I wanted to do was save some weight by removing the starter.  I've had another look at this and it looks like the starter reduction gear with its plate and shaft, when held in position by the alternator cover, holds the starter gear on the crankshaft from moving.  If you remove this reduction gear etc: then the starter gear on the crank can move a few millimeters in and out on the crank.  I didn't know if this would be a problem.
I was unaware that there is an oil feed to the starter Gear/clutch from the crank.  (I can now see an oil seal on the parts breakdown catalogue, that fits inside the starter gear)
There must be a few of you out there who run a 750 without a starter.

[maksuttt]

Maybe this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-750-Performance-charging-system-chopper-cafe_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35594QQihZ003QQitemZ130102111186 Cycle Exchange ebay auction will give you an idea about starter gear. They offers special spacer instead.

[bill440cars]

that is piss poor advice to tell him to remove the starter gear without mentioning that the starter gear covers up a hole in the crank that feeds the bushing for the starter gear.  If you remove this gear, without plugging that hole, you will lose oil pressure to your motor...that's bad.  I just about did this with my hopped up motor, dang would that have made me mad.  if you really want to lighten the alternator, take the starter clutch assembly off the rotor, but leave that gear there unless you can fab up a bushing to cover that hole.

         I didn't realize the details about the crankshaft, okay? In trying to help, I could have caused a problem but if he'd have left it as is the starter clutch could have come apart (have you not heard of this happening?) and caused damage as well. Why don't you see about putting the WHOLE story about "Electric Starter Elimination" in the FAQ forum?

                                                      Later on, Bill      

[elly]

My bike has no starter motor (cb750k engine)
kiks over and fires up first time so it's not to hard on the legs or rather leg.

as for how to do it sorry mine was already done when i got it


http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w16/robelly/BikeRight.jpg

[BobbyR]

My bike has no starter motor (cb750k engine)
kiks over and fires up first time so it's not to hard on the legs or rather leg.

as for how to do it sorry mine was already done when i got it


http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w16/robelly/BikeRight.jpg

Rob, I am getting to an age where just lifting just lifting your leg become a chore. 

[Gamma]

OK fellas, I appreciate you all for your help.  Obviously being a newbie here I didn't want to look like a complete cretin. I did look through previous posts first.
I'm suprised that I didn't get many responses reference those who run without electric starters.  Maybe we are all getting old.  I owned an F1 and then an F2 (28 years ago).  I used to show people how you could start the Honda 750s by hand on the Kickstart lever!
So looks like you take out the Starter motor and blank the hole, leaving everything else in place.  This ensures that nothing moves to where it shouldn't.  However, to remove more weight, it is nessasary to replace the Starter Clutch and gear wheel on the Crankshaft with a spacer and an oil passage blanking piece. Thanks for the info from Cycle exchange.
I will probably take off the rotor etc: and have a look at the parts removed , and then turn down a spacer etc: with a recess to fit a seal.
Nice photo Rob.

Thanks again all.

[BobbyR]

I show off and kick start mine when it is warmed up. They do start easy.

[Kamal]

Hey Gamma,

I came across this post, and the drag motor I am building has had the starter removed.  The hole is simply plugged with a 1 3/16" freeze plug from a car or truck engine.  It is gasket sealed in place.  I took some pics for you, and here they are!

Kamal

[Snowdigger69]

Just a thought, a good diet can reduce the weight on your machine as well as removing the starter.. When ever you get off the starter is removed! Problem solved... BTW I'll let you know how this plan works out..... Dr.  put me on a starvation diet... You might have to look closely for me in Chicago Mods Vs Rockers... I'll be a shadow of my former self.... if he doesn't kill me! Snowdigger69

[mwohlenhaus]

sorry to come off strong on my previous post!  I run w/out a starter(except my right leg, I still have that).  I put a freeze plug in the hole as mentioned 9It was off a foreign car, made of brass) had to do a little sanding  to get it to fit, but then again I didn't wanna damage the hole in case I wanted to reuse the starter..  the shaft that the idler gear sits on underneath the cover needs to stay also, this serves as an alignment dowel of sorts.  I see there is a bushing over the oil hole in the crank on the pics of the drag motor.  any info on this?  I just didn't want anybody messing up there engine because they didn't realize that hole was there, like I almost did!

[Gamma]

OK everyone, thanks, will keep you informed as to progress.  These 3 bike engines I'm stripping have sat in a Scrap yard in Riyadh for 20+ years! No clocks, so can't tell what the mileage was.
Internals are immaculate, with very little signs of wear. Cam chain tensioners look to be in the factory set position (never adjusted), no spanner marks on the rocker adjuster nuts (never adjusted), biggest job will be cleaning off external corrosion and polishing.  Oh, and my 4 cans of Simoniz "Silver" 5 Wheel paint, for the crankcases was removed from me at Aberdeen airport by the authorities, well it was worth a try!  So I've got to search Saudi arabia for some paint.