Ninja 250 screeching noise on startup (video) | GTAMotorcycle.com

Ninja 250 screeching noise on startup (video)

M

Matty8

Well-known member
My 2012 Ninja 250 started making this noise on warm starts recently:

[video]https://youtu.be/n3AVd2Gtfbk[/video]

Other than the awful noise it still starts and runs just fine. Any hints as to what it is?
 
It sounds like the pinion gear on the starter isn't disengaging after startup. I'd remove it and give a once over, check that the spring isn't damaged, clean and lube the assembly.
 
That is the screech of the starter over-run clutch. It simply needs to be re-greased.

Background:
"As soon as the engine starts, its rotational speed will eventually exceed the speed of the starter armature. At this instant the over-running clutch breaks the connection between the pinion and the armature shaft and prevents over-speeding and damage of the starter armature."

http://www.cdxetextbook.com/electrical/chargStartLight/start/starterengage.html
 
Yep thanks everyone. It hasn't happened since I posted this, although I haven't done very many warm starts either (it has only ever happened on a warm start so far). I will keep an eye on it and if I hear it again I'll get in there and lube it.
Cheers
 
This problem has continued, especially recently, but still only ever after a warm start (why?).

So I finally got around to pulling the starter motor today... only to discover that it does not behave like the typical car starter motor where the gear moves on a shaft to engage/disengage. Instead the gear that it connects to moves out of the way after starting. So basically it was wasted time and the actual issue requires me to remove the crankcase cover (i think that's what it's called?).

My oil level was about mid way between low and full, so I topped it up. Does the engine oil lubricate the starter gear? Is it possible that my oil level was just a bit too low?
 
Matty8 said:
My oil level was about mid way between low and full, so I topped it up. Does the engine oil lubricate the starter gear? Is it possible that my oil level was just a bit too low?
Click to expand...

I would say no. If you're above the low level you're oil level is OK.

The engine oil doesn't lubricate these gears. They are on the outside of the crankcase.

Have a look at this diagram: http://bit.ly/1gKIUTp

I had a similar problem with my GS500, the function of the gears is almost identical. You want to have a look at 13193. That is the assembly that engages and releases the gears using springs, and centrifugal force respectively. When the gears are stopped, the springs (92081) push the pins (92043) and rollers (92122) into the centre. When the starter spins, the rollers rotate and slide into place and the outer gear becomes engaged with the inner piece (16085) due to friction and the rollers becoming wedged. When the engine fires and the crankshaft spins faster than the starter, the rollers rotate the other direction and disengage. With the gears spinning fast, the centrifugal force on the rollers and pins overpower the springs, and the rollers move toward the outside allowing the two gears to rotate independently.

Check everything looks as it should, and make sure it's well lubricated. Its worth finding a download of the service manual and reading it to see if there are any special instructions for servicing this.
 
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...or just pay a shop for a diagnostic. :/
Prob have an answer for you in 10 minutes.
 
spray____ said:
I would say no. If you're above the low level you're oil level is OK.

The engine oil doesn't lubricate these gears. They are on the outside of the crankcase.

Have a look at this diagram: http://bit.ly/1gKIUTp

I had a similar problem with my GS500, the function of the gears is almost identical. You want to have a look at 13193. That is the assembly that engages and releases the gears using springs, and centrifugal force respectively. When the gears are stopped, the springs (92081) push the pins (92043) and rollers (92122) into the centre. When the starter spins, the rollers rotate and slide into place and the outer gear becomes engaged with the inner piece (16085) due to friction and the rollers becoming wedged. When the engine fires and the crankshaft spins faster than the starter, the rollers rotate the other direction and disengage. With the gears spinning fast, the centrifugal force on the rollers and pins overpower the springs, and the rollers move toward the outside allowing the two gears to rotate independently.

Check everything looks as it should, and make sure it's well lubricated. Its worth finding a download of the service manual and reading it to see if there are any special instructions for servicing this.
Click to expand...

Thanks a bunch spray____, this post will be very very useful. I will report back with my results (hopefully on Sunday).



fiddleguy said:
...or just pay a shop for a diagnostic. :/
Prob have an answer for you in 10 minutes.
Click to expand...

What fun would that be? I enjoy tinkering and learning. I also enjoy saving the money. Win Win in my books.
 
Matty8 said:
Thanks a bunch spray____, this post will be very very useful. I will report back with my results (hopefully on Sunday).
Click to expand...

No problem, hopefully it helps.

I would double check that those gears aren't bathed in engine oil. The more I look, the less certain I am. Maybe someone else listening can chime in. Otherwise, someone on the ninjette.org forums would be able to tell you: http://ninjette.org/forums/

This should also help, section 9-22: http://mototh.com/files/kawasaki/Ninja_250R/Kawasaki_Ninja_250R_FI-English.pdf

And here is a video of similar rollers in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSTrINv79jE
 
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