4th starter going in now

[Snow Flake 12]

I am beyond frustrated and am looking for ANY advice on this I can get. I bought my 07 Phazer at the end of February 08. Since that time we have only been able to put 800 miles on this sled because it has spent more time in the shop than on the trail. Beyond all the service bulletin work done: the ECU unit, the cold start kit, the ball joints, etc., etc. we have had 3 starters replaced. The original starter had 791 miles on it before it went. However the last 2 starters have only had 4 miles a piece on them before they went bad. My sled is in the shop to have the 4th starter put in it and I don't have words to describe how angry I am with this situation. Even the mechanic at the dealer told us that he believes Yamaha builds a heck of a reliable sled, but the Phazer was very poorly designed/engineered. When in for the last starter (#2 bad, #3 going in) our dealer consulted Yamaha who suggested replacing the starter relay assembly as well. Quite obviously that didn't solve the problem because now she's in with #3 bad starter and #4 starter going in. There is no way I could've had 3 bad starters . No way. Something is causing them to burn out, especially with only 4 miles a piece on the last 2. Does anyone have any suggestions? Has anyone had the same problem and finally had it solved? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[aVenture]

Indeed, some is wrong beside the starter.
Only one way to burn that fast is to activate while riding. Have your dealer change your ignition switch + inspect the connector that goes to it. Wires from the switch down to the relay must be inspected for insulation integrity.

 

[Snow Flake 12]

Indeed, some is wrong beside the starter.
Only one way to burn that fast is to activate while riding. Have your dealer change your ignition switch + inspect the connector that goes to it. Wires from the switch down to the relay must be inspected for insulation integrity.

Thank you aVenture. I will run let my dealer know just that. Take care.

 

[LazyBastard]

Don't neglect the stuff between the starter and the crankshaft. If the starter isn't properly DISCONNECTING from the crank when the engine starts, then it could be pulled along spinning crazy fast. Guaranteed to be destroyed in minutes/miles.

I personally don't buy it that you could blow that many starters in so short a time just by having them stuck ON and spinning. But remember that the starter is not meant to attach to the motor over a few hundred RPM. Imagine what would happen to it if it remained connected when the engine is pushing 12k!!

 

[aVenture]

stuck ON and spinning

..is what was happening to some Genesis-120 in 2006 with the retractable knife type ignition key. After little panic, dealers exchanged it with standard one. Some guys also reported the same & sweared it was with a standard key. Search engine, to recap the stories.

 

[Mooseman]

Also depends on what type of failure. These starters have been documented in this forum of the bolts coming loose and the starter body gets out of alignment. Check with the mechanic once the starter is out and find out what type of failure (loose bolts, burnt windings, mechanical failure). If it's the bolts coming out, then he should red loctite the bolts on the new starter before installing it. In fact, he should do it regardless. This thread talks about it:
.http://www.ty4stroke.com/viewtopic.php?t=64045&highlight=starter

Mind you, this type of failure usually occurs over longer periods of time/distance than what you're experiencing. 4 miles? Sounds like it wasn't installed right after the original was replaced.

 

[LazyBastard]

That's why I suggest that the thing might not be disconnecting MECHANICALLY.

 

[Rockmeister]

Hey Snow Flake, I posted about the Starter Saver in your other thread.

Suspect that the initiating problem hasn't been found to this point & keeps causing the same symptoms over & over.
(Symptoms being the starter failing.)

Get ahold of me, will take care of you.

Rock