2008 FE 550 Sprague clutch

canadius · Oct 28, 2017

Hi folks,

Read a bit in older threads, but neither wanting to necropost or clutter the other clutch basket thread, here's the issue.

Like a few of yours, my bike has the starter spine/whine issue. Roughly half the times I hit the estart. I could live with it, but now that I'm elbows deep in the case as part of my dowel hunting expedition, I'm thinking this is as good a chance as any to sort this.

Trouble is, both the sprague clutch and the gear piece look fine. No cupping or flattening on the inside surface, and the outer looks good too - assuming the rounded triangular profiles of the individual nipples is correct.

So is this simply a Taffy spring kit fix? Or are either the gear or the clutch actually pooched?

Thanks.

ede · Oct 28, 2017

I didn't have this issue yet - first guess - you found the reason for the "spin/whine"...

canadius · Oct 28, 2017

Thx.

I know I've found the general issue. The question was about what to replace.

mudmuncher2013 · Oct 28, 2017

Iv just installed a fresh garter spring that taff supplies, but his previous one did snap, iv come to realise that the berg electric starters are a warm option only, if your constantly stop starting and using it to start a cold engine then it will only last a matter of time, this is my opinion, iv battled with my starter for the last 2 years

Eucl1d · Oct 28, 2017

I've stopped bothering with the electric starter. Bike starts pretty easy on the boot (or trainer) once you learn the technique. And it seems to start even easier now since fitting the Kibblewhite dual valve springs, which I assume is attributable to the lower seated pressure?

In other words, just use the kicker!

Taffy · Oct 28, 2017

these bikes start on the button lads! you just have to get to the bottom of why yours aren't?

if you can't get yours starting on the button then say so and keep searching, asking questions, testing. I have put all the answers out there, for instance: DON'T use fully synthetic if you want electric start! that's the first one!

these things are always 'work in progress' because of the seasonal changes, valve clearances and fuel deterioration issues. there is no constant in our world.

just recently, we had a bike we'd done everything too (2002 FS650e) except the beefy starter. stuck that on and it started straight away!

then the next week we did another 2002 FS650e and despite charging the customers 'brand new' (sic) CTZ7S battery it still wouldn't start so I stuck a new one on fully charged and off we went with that one too!

every single bike has something wrong with it and I have to identify it. I had a 450 about 3 weeks ago, two changes of pilot jet and now it runs sweetly but it took a 48PJ to do it and the valve clearances despite them being checked twice. they were wrong. remember the 2 metre rule is the answer!

generally with the 650s 2001-2003, the carbs are the worst, the ignition timing is always wrong. fit the 08 cam, re-jet it and watch the valve clearances.

the 08 cam makes them easier to start but they need re-jetting.

Taffy

canadius · Oct 29, 2017

Thanks. I guess. Lol.

I maybe wasn't clear. EVERY time the sprague clutch DOES work fine, the bike roars to life.

So as per the thread title, my issue is not about whether or not my valves are adjusted, or what my oil is, or whether the pace of tectonic plate shift is affecting the migratory mating patterns of sub Saharan polar bears.

The bike starts absolutely perfectly when the sprague is doing its job. But roughly half the time, the sprague will spin without engaging the motor. So something is amiss with the sprague. So it's a simple question, from the photos, which appear to show all components not worn, where which do folks suggest are the likely culprits? The inner clutch ring, the outer gear ring, or just the spring?

Thanks.

dynagrego · Oct 29, 2017

When i press the starter button,i have already pressed the decompression lever over the clutch lever.
After the first revolution of the engine without load i let the decompression lever,the engine builds compression and starts fine everytime.
So,i give to the electric starter a first breathe before it "hits" on the wall of the engine compression.

sidetrack · Mar 4, 2018

Taffy said:
these bikes start on the button lads! you just have to get to the bottom of why yours aren't?

if you can't get yours starting on the button then say so and keep searching, asking questions, testing. I have put all the answers out there, for instance: DON'T use fully synthetic if you want electric start! that's the first one! these things are always 'work in progress' because of the seasonal changes, valve clearances and fuel deterioration issues. there is no constant in our world.

just recently, we had a bike we'd done everything too (2002 FS650e) except the beefy starter. stuck that on and it started straight away!

then the next week we did another 2002 FS650e and despite charging the customers 'brand new' (sic) CTZ7S battery it still wouldn't start so I stuck a new one on fully charged and off we went with that one too!

every single bike has something wrong with it and I have to identify it. I had a 450 about 3 weeks ago, two changes of pilot jet and now it runs sweetly but it took a 48PJ to do it and the valve clearances despite them being checked twice. they were wrong. remember the 2 metre rule is the answer!

generally with the 650s 2001-2003, the carbs are the worst, the ignition timing is always wrong. fit the 08 cam, re-jet it and watch the valve clearances.

the 08 cam makes them easier to start but they need re-jetting.

Taffy

Intersting so you would suggest not using fully synthetic in the berg, semi synthetic or any spesific brand you recommend ?

Taffy · Mar 5, 2018

we use Motorex mainly because they are the chif oil of KTM and then there is no bitching from the customers. after gearing, 'which oil' is the next source of great conversation.

I recently heard bad stuff from one of only two fellow tech guys I trust about fully synthetic. damned me if he didn't slag it off. I was PROUD to say that I'd always been against it.

It has cost me business, it has cost me my reputation in one race team but that's the price of being right sometimes.

Taffy

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2008 FE 550 Sprague clutch

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