1984 Honda Big Red 200es starter problem?

[NUTZ]

Howdy All, my problem is that when I try to use the electric start the starter spins and only enguges once in while and the rest of the time it is almost catches making a lot of noise in the process.
I pulled the starter and spun it using the starter button, but the gear did not move forward like I expected it too. Is this normal for the starter?:wondering

Thanks in advance for all responses:w00t:

[Howdy]

Is the sharter gear sprocket behind the flywheel engaging?
Howdy

[NUTZ]

Is the sharter gear sprocket behind the flywheel engaging?
Howdy

First off, I am not familiar with working on three wheelers so I am not up on all of the terminology. so here it goes.

To answer the quote I am going to say NO and I would like your input on this.

After removing the flywheel what I found is that the piece attached to the back of the flywheel (with the three roller bearings inside) was loose. what I mean by loose is that the three bolt holding it down were not even finger tight and because of this I don't think the starter gear sproket was engaging all of the time. Now, my new problem is that the three bolts(with torque heads) that hold the piece attached to the back of the flywheel are striped and need replacing. Does anyone know if I can replace them with something found at the hardware store or will I have to go to Honda?

Thanks

[NUTZ]

OK, I found the problem to be the flywheel starter clutch and replaced it, now the starter engages all the time. My new problem is that the starter gets hot really fast and the battery looses its charge after only a few cranks. any ideas? perhaps I installed something wrong.:(

[atctim]

Do you have access to a volt meter?

If so - see what voltage is at the battery when everything including the key is turned off.

Also - how old is the battery?

[Bryan Raffa]

sounds like you need a new battery, and its not good to run a starter for long periods of time,can cause premature brush weare if they get real hot.

[NUTZ]

The battery is new with a fresh charge. Before I pulled the flywheel the engine turned over good, now with the same battery and after the flywheel clutch change the engine turns over slower with a whining noise and the starter gets hot. I did not touch the starter at all. Is it possible something is grounding out with the flywheel or gears not quite aligned?. I will pull everything apart tonight and double check everything.
Thanks

[Howdy]

It sorta sounds like the starter brushes are going bad. I would pull the starter and inspect them as well.
Howdy

[NUTZ]

Well today I traced my problem back to the starter and I was wondering how difficult would it be to check and replace the brushes? also, I noticed that the starter would not turn over if I torqued the stator cover down tight, but if I loosened the bolts a little the starter turned easier. I am using silicone instead of the factory gasket. Could this be part of the problem?