84 Starter access - How to remove Top Cover

[Danno]

My Clymer doesn't show enough detail. Are there only 2 bolts holding the top cover on? Then what?

Thanks, Dan

[Justin B.]

It will lift/gently pry straight up then wiggle and maneuver it out the side.  Probably will be easier if the tank is removed.

[Danno]

Got it, thanks. Just didn't know if I was missing a bolt somewhere.

Dan

[Justin B.]

It just kinda fits tight...

[Danno]

OK, Clymer says Bosch starters were used through 83 and to replace it with a French Valeo if you've got one. Well, I have a 84 with a Bosch that has been acting up. Do I rebuild the Bosch or replace it with a different brand?

Dan

[Justin B.]

A lot of people think the Bosch is a more robust starter while the Valeo is lighter, has more torque, and draws less current.  It would probably be cheaper to rebuild the Bosch as long as nothing major was wrong with it as a new Valeo is in the $150 - $200 range.

[nhmaf]

Isn't it the valeo's that can sometimes have a problem with the "glue" which holds the magnets in letting go ?  Otherwise, they are a decent motor.
The bosch units are much more rebuildable, but do draw extra current, which is a big strike against it.
Apparently the premium starter motor to fit in is a Nippondenso starter motor - but they are a premium price ($350 at Motorrad Elektrik)

[Danno]

Got the Bosch apart and one problem is the brushes. They are wore down and need replacing. Are the replacement brushes also soldered like the original or do they have a screw conversion kit? I see a Valeo on eBay for $160 which may be the best economics especially if I have to pay someone to go through this one.

Dan

[nhmaf]

From all that I have read about them, I believe that one has to unsolder the old and solder on the new brushes when rebuilding them.
It isn't hard to do, but if you haven't soldered or don't have the equipment, it would be easiest to find someone nearby who can do it for you.

[Justin B.]

If you do wind up replacing it maybe I could deal you out of your old one.  I've never rebuilt one so it would be good practice and I could use it as a spare...

[Danno]

That's exactly what I have in mind too. I had to order some maintainance items so I also ordered a starter repair kit. The new Valeo should be delivered today. It's dropping into the 40's here at night, warming to the 60's and way too soon we'll have the white stuff so I want to get in as much riding as I can.

Dan

[Justin B.]

Have fun.

[montmil]

A third alternative, for those among us with deep pockets, is available from Rick Jones and Motoradd Elektrik. A six-pound (Bosch is 12 lb) Nippondenso starter that draws 80 amps rather than the Bosch 120 amps. Pretty picture.  

http://www.motoelekt.com/starter.htm

[BigJohn]

I've heard talk of using a Saturn starter in an airhead.  Anyone know which one and if it needs any mods to work?  Any excuse to spend some time in the U-Pull-It!

[steve hawkins]

Is that the starter motor for the Saturn 5 Rocket?