ATV starter question

[up4fishin]

i have a honda 350 ATV that i"m trying to diagnose a starting problem. background... push the starter button and all you get is a click. no turning of the starter. battery was original (8 years old; i"m told 2-3 is good for an ATV), so i figured that *had* to be the problem. it was not. changed the solenoid next. not it. i then discovered that if i rap on the starter with a screw driver, it will start. now for the stupid question--does this mean the starter should be replaced, or is there a DIY fix or some sort of maintenance that should be performed. any help/advice appreciated. thanks.

 

[Ryan - WI]

The brushes in the starter are bad. Some are replaceable, most are not. Good luck.

 

[up4fishin]

thanks for quick answer. looks like eBay has fix-it kits for about $25. new starters currently for sale are $49, $60, $143, and $200. why the HUGE price range?

 

[Billylee]

Brush material may be worn off and lodged between commutator segments of starter motor resulting in what's commonly referred to as a 'flat spot'. If you put in a brush kit make sure you clean out the little grooves between each segment on the commutator. Fine tooth hacksaw blade end usually works for me. Good luck with the repair, Billy

 

[guido]

Hello up4fishing,
If it starts right up, then the starter is good, and the brushes need some attention.
Before you by the parts, take the starter apart and clean the brushes and the comm. It may be the only thing you need to do.Champfer the sharp edges of the brushes, as they wear the sharpness make them bounce and draw more current.
Guido.

 

[up4fishin]

definitely starts right up. i'll see how easy it is to take off and take apart. thanks.

 

[DH in Carolina]

I have a Honda Big Red 250 that had the same problem. Tap on the starter and sometimes it would start, other times just click. Took starter off and found brushes completely gone and full of corrosion. Ordered new one from www.dbelectrical.com in eastern Tenn. Cost around $100.00. They have two models one with 0ne year warranty and one with two year. I bought the two year which cost more. Also bought a starter for 7.3 diesel from them and have had no problems. DH

 

[up4fishin]

I know everyone loves an update...

In the interest of time, I decided to go with a new starter. Bought one off of eBay, and it was here in a couple days. Changing out the old one was pretty straightforward.

New starter did the trick--starts right up now every time.