gt550 starter motor problem

[gt550boy]

hi everyone.

i have just joined this forum today having bought a 1973 gt550 last week.

everything runs fine but the starter, just spins and does not seem to engage the engine.

any ideas please ?
is it an easy repair ?

gt550 boy

[jabcb]

Suzuki had problems with the early GT550 starter mechanism.
They updated the mechanism in later model years, which is covered in Service Bulletin GT-26
http://www.ozebook.com/compendium/techb ... 022-26.pdf

The updated parts are NLA. Used good parts do show up from time to time on eBay.
Some of the parts were tolerance matched, so its best if you can find the entire clutch/starter clutch assembly rather than getting individual parts.

[Alan H]

Early clutches can be repaired usually. Parts on ebay. First get a manual and a spares catalogue for lots of info.
A quick intro would be nice too.

[gt550boy]

thanks jabcb and alan h.

looking at the link you sent me here jab, i see the clutch assembly borg warner is being suggested
as a better complete replacement.

it is showing part nos

21200 - 34830 & 831 ?

are they the same or which is correct ?

can i order this from any suzuki dealer ?

alan, yes sorry should have done a short intro, my apologies.

i am living in burnley at the moment , so not so far away from yourself

48 now and could never afford this bike when i was younger.
now i decided to finally get one before the prices shoot up too far.
my past bikes include a gt500, which i sold back in 2007 for £400.
their prices seem to be shooting up now too, typical once i sold it...haha

i also had a honda 100n years ago which was actually a good bike
considering i rode it flat out every where ...lol

back to my starter motor, do you think its easier to get the parts alan or just do
a swap unit like jab's link has suggested ?

[jabcb]

The original part # for the late-model clutch assembly was 21200-34830.
Presumably Suzuki modified the part in someway and the updated part # is 21200-34831
The Service Bulletin used both #s without explaining this — this is a typical typo of that era.

New old stock clutch assemblies haven’t been available from Suzuki in the US for a long time.
I just checked and didn’t find a used late-model clutch assembly on US eBay, but they do show up from time to time.

Your best bet might be to try both solutions: look for a late-model assembly & see if you can get the parts to fix yours.
Perhaps one of the UK members can give advice on where to look for the parts.

[Alan H]

It depends what you find when you take the clutch out. The starter clutch is behind it.
The rollers, springs and spring collets are available on ebay and are the same part number as the GT750J/K too.
Most Suzuki dealers won't have a clue, and the parts are like rocking horse crap anyway!
It might just be a case of tightening the back plate, which can come loose.
Don't keep using it until you've checked what's what though as you can cause more damage.
If you can't get the parts, I have a set which you can have for the same as I paid, but have a look first.
I've lots of 550 parts in the garage - about 3 spare bikes worth!

[Alan H]

or this - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suzuki-GT550- ... SwQoFWQJik" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Starter parts missing though.

[Drewski]

On the sunject of starters, I can't seem to find the answer to this on the web.....what was the first Suzuki with an electric start?

[Alan H]

The M15D had one in about 1966. Dunno if it was the first.

[GTandcbr]

Welcome to the forum
If you look here
http://www.3cyl.com/mraxl/gt/manuals/gt ... 550-44.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
This is the set up.
I have heard recently of a case where the idler gear screws had come loose so the starter couldn't engage with the starter clutch gear. So the motor just spun around.
I have owned a 550j for 25 years and it never likes starting from cold on the button! Once its going and warm its perfect. I just kick start it . I have replaced everything beginning with Motobatt battery(more cranking amps) heavier gauge positive battery to solenoid cable. Removed and cleaned solenoid and start button(both were filthy) new cable solenoid to starter motor as the old one had come into contact with the chain cutting it almost in half!( very common occurrence). Replaced the starter motor and fitted new brushes. Finally replaced the engine to battery earth lead. Checked the circuit power with multimeter 12v at the motor.
It will start but not very well from cold as was said in an earlier post I think there were design flaws.once its warm it flies over and starts straight away!

[Alan H]

No probs starting my 550K from cold with the old style starter clutch. Motobatt power!!


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suzuki-Gt-550 ... SwYmZXEqdx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
ebay now.