Starter

[skydrol]

Okay, I feel like a complete dolt for asking this. How does one access the starter? My starter relay is clicking but the starter is not turning. I've had both side covers off but do not see the starter. It looks like you need to split the case to access it....this can't be so,can it? The clymer manual I have shows all about how to rebuild the starter but doesn't say squat about where it is or how to access it. I am a mechanic by trade and am feeling completely incompetent at the moment. Help please !!

[skydrol]

Hmmm well it's been almost a month and I see several people have read this post but there r no replies. Maybe it wasn't such a silly question after all !

[oldjapanesebikes]

You have a GT550 - correct ? I hadn't seen any follow-up questions, and so had assumed you'd found what you needed on any of the on-line fiche lists (and there are lots of these - I usually use the ones at Dillon's or Alpha Sports ) . No worries ! The starter is in a cavity on the underside of the crankcase - looking at the 'Covers' fiche you can see the parts listing for the cover and gasket. Parts #32 through #35.

[skydrol]

Thanks for reply. I had seen a reference somewhere for a starter cover gasket and kinda figured it was on bottom side of motor, but that means the engine still needs to be removed from the bike right?

[oldjapanesebikes]

Thanks for reply. I had seen a reference somewhere for a starter cover gasket and kinda figured it was on bottom side of motor, but that means the engine still needs to be removed from the bike right?

Not a great answer, but 'that depends'.

If the problem is is the actual starter motor or cable, then after removing the pipes and dumping the oil I think you should be able to remove it with the engine in the frame. I could be wrong as I haven't looked and the only engine of this type I have done work on, had lots of other issues and so had to come out of the frame anyway. If its an earlier model prior to engine GT550-63692 then there could be other problems related to the starter clutch - I have a few photos on my web site here. You will need to check which starter motor you have (there are two different ones) if you try to rebuild it but a lot of the parts are still available from Suzuki. I think they both take the same o-ring (09280-22004). None of the starter clutch parts are available, so hopefully that isn't what your problem is !

[skydrol]

Well I had originally decided to sell my GT since in the mean time I bought a Honda Magna, but since I sold one of my other toys instead I've decided to keep the GT and finish working on it. So I guess I'll be learning all about classic Suzuki starters soon.

[skydrol]

Just FYI, the motor does not need to be removed. Removing the center exhaust and putting bike up on the center stand gives access to the starter.