Electric Start or Kick Start ???? (1985 Spree)

mlucia10 · Post by **mlucia10** » Thu May 22, 2008 12:08 pm

So my electric starter system appears to be faulty; (1985 Spree)

Is it less expensive / more dependable to install a kick starter?

OR

Would you recommend going through and replacing the relay and starter motor AND NOT installing a kick start. Is it better to just stay with the starter system ?

Is installing a kick start on an "85 spree more difficult and expensive then replacing the electrical starter system ??

Thanks,
Mario

dr.ona · Post by **dr.ona** » Thu May 22, 2008 12:46 pm

I would go with the kickstart.
I've seen new starters for $65-$80 on Ebay.
I've seen excellent condition kickstart assemblys for $70-$80 on Ebay.
So they're about the same price.
The reason all my Sprees are 1986 is because I didn't want to be stranded in town with a dead battery and not be able to start it....thus all my Spree's have a kickstart.
Also...the batteries don't seem to last very long. I don't get a chance to drive my Sprees all year round like maybe someone could in Arizona. So mine sit probably about 5 months out of the year.

My 2 cents...

Robert

Kenny_McCormic · Post by **Kenny_McCormic** » Thu May 22, 2008 3:44 pm

Spree kickstarts are delicate, not something you should use every day, its best to go through your electrical system (the relay can be taken apart BTW, clean the contacts) AND have a kickstart for emergency backup.

mlucia10 · Post by **mlucia10** » Thu May 22, 2008 11:44 pm

Thanks, i'll take apart the relay and clean it with rubbing alcohol and fine sand paper.

Is there anything else i should consider?

Kenny_McCormic · Post by **Kenny_McCormic** » Fri May 23, 2008 12:09 am

Check all your connections and grease them all.