87 Elite 50 Starter Pinion gear will not engage

[mauitectony]

Mahalo for the forum welcome and the manual reference.

I repaired my starter on that 87 Elite described below.
replacing a spring and insulator, both handmade parts, assembled using brushes that were worn but still good.
It seems to work great at battery check & in place, and spins in the correct direction, with what would seem adequate rpm.

The starter pinion gear, which is a centrifugal device, on observation with the side kickstart/belt cover off,
does not engage. It spins when the starter button is pushed, but does not spin out to engage the
gear that drives the start pulley.
I took out the pinion gear assembly, cleaned it, oiled and greased it and it slides with no catching out to
full extension when manually twisted.
Can anyone shine some light on the starter pinion gear and this.
My first thought is the rpms need to be higher, but it really seems performing adequate for a starter motor.

Again all advice is appreciated.
Tony


My First Post:
Has Anyone had any luck locating a compatible rebuild kit for the early Elite 50's?
I am reassembling the electric starter off my 87 Elite and using a spring and insulator
that I made, but would rather have new brushes and the kit parts.
A link to the rebuild kit would be great, and in the absence of that, a new starter link
as a backup to my hand built parts and old brushes.
I found a few starters online, but the positive electrical post faced scooter instead of
out as with the original starter. Any input is most appreciated.
Great site....feel like I am in scooter heaven!
Mahalo & Aloha,
Tony

[Dio89Elite]

mauitectony, welcome to the forums!
if you haven't gotten it yet, take a look at your manual
http://www.hondaspree.net/phpBB3/viewto ... =11&t=8584
a few of the members here have 87 elites also.
I hope they'll chime in on the starters.

[eliteguy50]

We are working on this. It was a one year only starter even though we had the af05 for 8 years.