starter for 88 Paso

[spaz]

Hey Streetsurfer, I bought my 1st Paso 750 (which I still have) from Greg and Geoff in 87. That bike is at Indy Ducati having some internal work done to it now.

[spaz]

Well I tried to remove the wire from the starter and it was rusted on and it would only spin. So it looks like I will be replacing the complete starter now

[fredskidoo]

Well I tried to remove the wire from the starter and it was rusted on and it would only spin. So it looks like I will be replacing the complete starter now

Hey now - Don't spaz out -
ok ok - so puns aren't what I am good at. But starters I am.

What just happened to your starter is to be expected AND is actually a good thing because once you've done what I am suggesting in this post you will have resolved several potential problems in your future. What is going on is that this bolt is housed in a plastic sleeve to insulate the positive charge from grounding out to the starter housing. For various reasons this plastic fails (heat, blunt force trauma, fiddly-fingers-twisting starter cable,etc) and allows the bolt wiggle about and then to spin when put to a wrench, even with the outside lock nut.
Regardless, order this repair kit http://www.stockers.com/index.php?dt=RBK-69 It is EVERYTHING you'll need short of a new starter ($250). That bolt that you said 'just started spinning' and what it is attached to underneath the cover all come with the starter kit. NOTE: It doesn't look like the plastic piece that houses the bolt is in the kit - I have actually use a section from a ball point pen, frankly!

Nothings changed so far as you still only need to remove the cover to apply this rebuild kit. Unless you want to replace the bearing on the other end of the starter WHICH is also included in this kit. Basically, if it is even your brushes are what is giving you problems once this job is done you can rule out any more issues with the starter and move on to the quality of your starter cable and ground wire connections. As far as to or not to remove the starter. 1st, its going to really piss you off when your trying to reassemble everything (unless you have a mechanically inclined 8 year old with small hands) bent over, neck twisted, gravel or whatever grinding into your knee cap and half upside down. 2nd - bench testing - obviously you don't want to have to repeat any work that you don't have to. With the starter removed you can A.) work comfortably i.e. knees, neck, back. B.) See what your doing, coming and going. C.) Easily find the part you just dropped. D.) Be properly illuminated and E.)Be able to bench test the starter to insure it works properly.

Here is how you bench test ANY starter and I do this before I disassemble the starter as well - because, well there might not be anything wrong with your starter.

What you will need:
Battery, jump box, battery charger with a higher amp setting for starting and some jumper cables.

I prefer to securely clamp my starter in my vise (but not too tight) if not hold it on the ground with your foot. Next attach jumper cables to their respective posts on the battery. Ground the negative clamp to the starter (NOT the geared part) and then, vise tightened or foot braced, go ahead and touch the positive clamp to that pesky bolt that started this whole conversation. It is important that you 1.) touch it to the bolt steadily, like you mean it, so that it gets the electrical charge fully without half-assing it. Just tapping it does not pass all the needed amperage to the unit and is just plain bad for a starter 3.) DO NOT just leave it on there spinning your starter into oblivion. The result that your expecting (hope goes a long way around here as well) is that the starter spins up smoothly with no excessive vibration (that would be the bearing I mentioned earlier) - every time. If this doesn't work try getting a better ground on the starter.

I worked in an auto shop that specialized in Starters, Batteries and Alternators i.e. Startmart (yes Mike, Portland) and there really isn't much to go wrong if you repair your starter with the FULL kit and get it all back together again with nothing left over. If the brushes need to be replaced bear in mind that the entire starter has been wearing down for just as long as those nubs that were once starter brushes - back to that bearing - replace it. That also gives you a chance to take some 1000+ grit sand paper to the main spindle and remove all that buildup as well as soften the pitted copper surface enabling the starter to do it's job better, cooler and a bit quieter. Be sure to apply a small dab of bearing grease to the spot where the bearing and shaft fit into the starter housing. Make sure that the gasket between the starter and the engine is intact and for good measure apply some gasket sealer to the engine side if the gasket otherwise you'll be leaking oil directly and continually onto the exhaust which is really embarrassing when you pull up to you local rice rocket jock stop (trust me!)
All in all this is far cheaper than replacing ANY starter.

And so after its all said and done AND you've just discovered that whatever problem you thought you had is still there - so are we.

Easy - E

EDIT: Can we get some pictures of your 'Indy' Paso as well as this one put up here? After all it is about braggin' rights, isn't it?

[paso750]

It is EVERYTHING you'll need short of a new starter ($250).

$109 at stockers

That bolt that you said 'just started spinning' and what it is attached to underneath the cover all come with the starter kit. NOTE: It doesn't look like the plastic piece that houses the bolt is in the kit

Isn`t it the black plastic ring on top ?

[fredskidoo]

NICE!

I gladly stand corrected - still gonna try not to take'er off?

Also, don't keep us waiting too long on those photos . . .

Easy - E

[spaz]

Well I decided to take the easy (but slightly more $) way out and order a starter from Stockers. The unit I purchased was out of stock (3 mths) so they are sending me an OEM (original Equipment) for the same price.$109 + shipping not bad I say.
I should be riding by the weekend.

[paso750]

you should get the repair kit, too and fix your old one. Now you`ll have more time for that.