poor starter to me. borrow a multimeter with an amps clamp. the current draw info for the starter motor should be available some where. or take a gamble and replace it
Started in the morning just fine, and this is after a 5 minute ride, it took a tiny wee bit more to start. I'm taking it to my guy to have a look at the starter.
After the new solenoid was installed the same problen persisted so I took it to the shop again. They checked all the connections, say the battery is fine, starter motor is fine, starter clutch is fine. Only remaining problem was supposedly a permanent check engine light because the lambda sensor heater stopped pinging. I brought the bike home, went for one spirited riding and the problem persists. My mechanic was a bit perplexed when I phoned him saying thr problem persisted. If the battery is healthy, the starter clutch and starter motor are fine, what else could it be?
How long was it at the bike shop the last time when they told you that the starter and the sprag clutch is fine? Only way of knowing if the sprag clutch is okay is by examination which is not a quick job. Fairly similar answer for the starter motor also.
My starter clutch (sprag) was fine when cold. Twas only when it got hot that problems started when trying to fire her up. Usually when refuelling. Till eventully the sprag lost its hold completely and I replaced it. Then it was fine hot and cold thereafter. New sprag, flange & other bit (forgotten) costs £362 inc vat from Snells. Took me an hour to fit (on 1198). Okay, maybe 1.5hrs. Requires flywheel holding tool and case puller. Oh and some threebond. My 1198 had done 17k before sprag threw in the towel. I think the hot start issue is a sympton of a sprag wearing out. As it gets hot all parts expand and then the grip on the flange weakens. Or the sprag spring may be worn or broken and you may get away with just replacing this. But in my view replace the lot.
The bike was in the shop for a week, there was only another Daelin being looked at. By the 4th day he told me those two things looked ok. If I'm understanding your question right
Yikes, that's a bit pricey. My guy said the starter clutch looks fine (starter clutch = sprag clutch, right?) Funny, these issues started at 20k miles.
I remembered something else. My guy said that it is odd that the voltages are so low. They're usually at 12.5V and he said it should be at 14V. I filmed a video yesterday as soon as I had stopped that 30 min fast ride. I'll post it later, its the exact same sympton as the previous videos. It flashes 11.2V on the dash but could that be because I'm pressing the ignition?
What a total pain, You are still in limbo despite symptoms being typical of both starter and sprag ( yes, starter clutch) sapping cranking power particularly when hot.
I'm on holiday now for a couple of weeks and hopefully my guy will get to the bottom of this in the mean time. If not, do you guys suggest I take it straight to Ducati? There's a Ducati shop in Aylesbury which is where this bike was bought. I got her second hand with 18k miles on the clock. My guy yesterday tried to replicate the symptoms by going on a 10 minute ride and figured since he replaced the corroded block connectors, thaythaymust have done the trick
Trouble is, starter issues and low power issues may have aggrivated the sprag and worn it. Esp a 18k bike. So fix one and the other is left as a resultant of the starter issues. What a mare.
What do you suggest I shlould do? At the moment the bike is sitting at mine waiting to go back at the shop so that my guy can take a better second look.
Im hands on, so for me I'd have the sprag out and check it. But for someone who isnt, its tricky. I'd be inclined to change them, but its not cheap and if it isnt that, then you'll be sending me hate mail till i die. Youre in a tricky situation. I'd be happy to change it and at least be satisfied I'd eliminated that issue as the sprag will go at some point anyways.
My mechanic checked the sprag. He said it looked alright, so I'm guessing he visually inspected it. Are there any specific tests to see if the issue lies with the sprag, as in, some diagnostic test other than fit a new one and see if it fixes it? Would you get a new sprag still if you thought it looked alright? I forgot to mention, my mechanic says the battery is healthy, and the starter motor is functioning alright. He said that he thinks that as I am riding, the battery might not be recharging
Visual inspection would entail removal of side case, removal of flywheel and dissassembly of sprag. Wear would be evident on faces where sprag contacts. Ie on gearwheel and flange. The sprag is a 1 direction only mechanism. If it can be moved in both directions that would indicate wear. Additionally there is a circular o ring spring. Some get away with fitting a new one of these. But had i those apart, id change it as a formality if i had a reasonable mileage bike with issues. I understand ktm sprags msy fit and are cheaper but i cant confirm this. Edit: just remembered other part. Its the starter gear wheel. This contacts the inside face of the sprag bearing snd on my bike wear was very evident. So sprag, starter gear wheel and flange.
very similar approach to yours and will give you an idea of what work entails:- http://www.ducati.ms/forums/80-hall-wisdom/66410-repairing-replacing-desmoquattro-sprag-clutch.html
also :- (but possibly several links will be dead now) https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/starter-sprag-clutches.7572/
