xt600 starter grinding noise

**vdubster** · #1 10 Oct 2008

Hi all, I've had my 1990 xt600e for a couple of months now. The weather has since gotten a lot colder and the bike has a much harder time starting. The engine turns over a couple of revolutions but then kicks back on the starter sounding like gear clash. There are no carb or other issues on this bike. It seems to be purely related to the working load on the starter and gears turning over a stone cold engine. I've looked at the schematics of the starter gear setup and it's all constant mesh gearing. There's not really any chance of gear slippage i think. Right now I'm suspecting it's the one way clutch on the ring gear that may be faulty/grinding under load.
This only occurs when the ambient temperature drops below 5 degree celcius.

Thanks,

Mike.

**Shunt** · #2 10 Oct 2008

Just a quick thought for you. I know you`veprobably checked, But when you say since its got colderis the oil correct fo your temps?

**bacardi23** · #3 11 Oct 2008

I've had a problem like that...my battery was flat because of the damn regulator/rectifier (under the rear fender) which was (and still is) not working well....

I just fitted a kickstart and don't have anymore problems now to start it...

Take care.

Vando

P.S.: I have and was talking about my 1990 XT600E

**PocketHead** · #4 11 Oct 2008

Hi, I have a minibike which has always done this in the cold! I think it's caused by too much compression or possibly a small backfire. From my experience if you turn it over with the kickstart first it doesn't happen however it's never caused me any problems so I don't think you need to worry.

**vdubster** · #5 12 Oct 2008

Thanks for the responses. I've changed the oil to a thinner viscosity, didn't do it for a little while but then the temps dropped lower and it was back. I've since found that it is related to starter/engine revolutions being too slow while trying to start. The battery is good, just not good enough at low temps.
This morning I tried starting it with the charger on the battery and it started fine.
Problem solved, buy a better battery with more Cold Cranking Amps or don't ride in the winter!

Thanks,

Mike.

**bacardi23** · #6 12 Oct 2008

I have an advise....Check your electrical system... your battery might not be charging as it should thus not having enough power to start the bike...

Vando

**vdubster** · #7 12 Oct 2008

I will check that for sure but I think it's ok.

Mike.