Apex keeps cutting out / blowing starters

[GuyZ]

I purchased a 2008 Apex ltx with 6000 km (4000 miles) this season.

First ride I did 200km no problem

Then I brought it to a mechanic he greased it, installed a heated visor (somewhere in the ignition system not back to the battery or leads) changed a belt, and told me it was in good shape.

Next ride it dies after 50k. It felt like someone hit the kill switch, and it would not start. (The gauges and fuel pump work until you turn the key and then there is a click and everything dies)

Brought the machine back to the mechanic, he said the starter was bad, changed it out and everything was ok.

(I did not understand how a bad starter motor would kill a machine driving at 50 miles an hour across the lake, but he assured me it was the problem.) From reading on here I thought the problem would have been related to a grounding issue.

So I pick up the sled and it seems to be running OK, and I decide to take it for another run. This time it lasts for another 50k or so and the exact same thing happens (the machine dies in the middle of the lake for no apparent reason.)

So I know I need to replace the starter again, but I don't know the root cause of the problem. I assume it has to do with the the way the guy wired the heated visor. The mechanic thinks that "the one way bearing in the motor for the starter is intermittently sticking".

I think it has to do with the ignition system because unless the starter was electrically engaged how would it short out and kill the machine?

The truth is neither of us have ever seen this problem before. I bought a yamaha starter because there was a thread on here that said the kimpex one was junk. The first repair cost $1,000 - $550 for the starter, $120 for the battery plus taxes and labour.

So before I blow my brains out on another fix I can not afford, does anyone have some insight to the root cause of this problem? I really appreciate and help you can offer.

 

[HighSpeedLowDrag]

It sounds more like the starter is energized all the time until it overheats and seizes. Completing a ground to the starter relay cranks the engine. A damaged wire could do this or plugging in the visor if he did something really dumb. Also check where the visor is hooked up before bringing it back to see if he changes that and blames the sprag clutch.

 

[GuyZ]

HighSpeedLowDrag

That all sounds about right.

Any suggestions on where to look for the mystery wire that is shorting out? Is there a pinch point that these sleds are famous for?

 

[tomanytoyz]

I would change your starter relay/selenoid located left of battery . They can cause all sorts of issues if corroded or internally wore out! Spike in voltage and codes. Your right there . Also check the green fuse for corrosion,right next to the relay.

 

[thor452]

trace back the heated visor wire to see where it goes first and if that is just coincidence then so be it but not to often the case .

 

[DGZRT]

Check with Travis at Barn of parts , I believe he has a warning light that can be hooked up to tell you if your starter is staying engaged. He might have a good used starter for you!

 

[GuyZ]

Thanks for all the good advice. It is appreciated.

 

[steiner]

Contact Sledtoyz (Cdn) and pickup up a starter saver kit. This little LED light will warn you if the starter relay has stuck and allows the starter to keep cranking.
http://sledtoyz.com/component/virtu...ypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=95&category_id=1
This will help avoid costly repairs.
As for your issue now, I agree with the above posts. Check the wiring of the heated shield and the starter relay.

 

[GuyZ]

Sorry to add one more thing...

It just crossed my mind that both times it died I had just trailered the machine 300-400 km.

I use a utility trailer, and a cover for the sled.

Covered or not, I am sure some salt water is soaking through the cover.

Again, I appreciate all of the you guys have given.

 

[thor452]

that should have no effect I repeat should

 

[steiner]

Sorry to add one more thing...

It just crossed my mind that both times it died I had just trailered the machine 300-400 km.
I use a utility trailer, and a cover for the sled.
Covered or not, I am sure some salt water is soaking through the cover.
Again, I appreciate all of the you guys have given.

If the trailer is enclosed and you cover the sled you might be trapping moisture under the cover. This moisture could find its way into some of the relays and cause them to freeze up.
The excess moisture also could find its way to other parts of the sled where it normally does not go and cause issues as well.
If this is the case, then if you can let the sled sit in a heated garage for a few days. Remove the plastics and have a fan blowing on it.

 

[tomanytoyz]

Sorry to add one more thing...

It just crossed my mind that both times it died I had just trailered the machine 300-400 km.

I use a utility trailer, and a cover for the sled.

Covered or not, I am sure some salt water is soaking through the cover.

Again, I appreciate all of the you guys have given.

Yeah not good. If your going to trailer on the same trailer, cover the sled front to back with a thick tarp and bungee it well!!

 

[sxray]

I would change your starter relay/selenoid located left of battery . They can cause all sorts of issues if corroded or internally wore out! Spike in voltage and codes. Your right there . Also check the green fuse for corrosion,right next to the relay.

I agree with this. Had same thing happen this week. Relay will corrude causing starter and starting issuses.

 

[GuyZ]

This looks like the culprit?

 

[steiner]

That will do it.