I'm fairly certain my spree starter is bad, just want to make sure.

Trying to get your Spree/Elite to run, or run better? Post your questions here.

Moderator: Moderator

NBraun
Noob
Noob
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon May 20, 2019 9:31 am
Location: South Dakota

I'm fairly certain my spree starter is bad, just want to make sure.

Post by NBraun »

Picked up a spree over the weekend that's been sitting for a while. Just trying to get it running at this point. The kick starter gear is stripped out, and the starter doesn't work. I have 12v throughout the whole system, the solenoid clicks and I have 12v at the starter however it doesn't spin. I've ran a jumper from the battery down to the starter and it doesn't spin. I've pulled the side cover and its not bound up, and the motor turns over freely. Thoughts?
User avatar
bonesv
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 2127
Joined: Sun Jun 26, 2011 2:00 pm
Location: Florida

Re: I'm fairly certain my spree starter is bad, just want to make sure.

Post by bonesv »

You must hold one of the brake levers in while pushing the start button
Honda Elite SR
Honda Elite-Dio ZX

Dio ZX Headlight/Disc Brake Mod: http://hondaspree.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=30861
NBraun
Noob
Noob
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon May 20, 2019 9:31 am
Location: South Dakota

Re: I'm fairly certain my spree starter is bad, just want to make sure.

Post by NBraun »

I've been doing that throught out the troubleshooting process.
User avatar
motormike
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 5488
Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2010 10:58 pm
Location: Glasgow, KY

Re: I'm fairly certain my spree starter is bad, just want to make sure.

Post by motormike »

I tend to agree with the idea that the starter motor is toast.
RideRed
<Gyro S><MB5><Honda Navi><Helix><Sym Wolf><Yamaha Razz><Honda CH150 Deluxe>
"Live Large - Ride Small"
NBraun
Noob
Noob
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon May 20, 2019 9:31 am
Location: South Dakota

Re: I'm fairly certain my spree starter is bad, just want to make sure.

Post by NBraun »

Now the question is where's the best place to find a replacement? I'm going to try and rebuild it if it needs it, but if not, where should I look other than eBay?
User avatar
bonesv
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 2127
Joined: Sun Jun 26, 2011 2:00 pm
Location: Florida

Re: I'm fairly certain my spree starter is bad, just want to make sure.

Post by bonesv »

Could just be a starter relay is bad
Honda Elite SR
Honda Elite-Dio ZX

Dio ZX Headlight/Disc Brake Mod: http://hondaspree.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=30861
NBraun
Noob
Noob
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon May 20, 2019 9:31 am
Location: South Dakota

Re: I'm fairly certain my spree starter is bad, just want to make sure.

Post by NBraun »

Pulled the starter over lunch and bench tested it, which it failed. Going to try and clean it up and see if i can get it working.
User avatar
motormike
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 5488
Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2010 10:58 pm
Location: Glasgow, KY

Re: I'm fairly certain my spree starter is bad, just want to make sure.

Post by motormike »

There is some starter rebuild info on the Wikispreedia.
Go to "board Index" and click on any heading.
Then you will see a subject title "Get answers to your questions right now: Wikispreedia"
I cannot find that page myself...something is missing...I don't know what...HELP bonesv, Wheelman111, noiseguy
RideRed
<Gyro S><MB5><Honda Navi><Helix><Sym Wolf><Yamaha Razz><Honda CH150 Deluxe>
"Live Large - Ride Small"
NBraun
Noob
Noob
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon May 20, 2019 9:31 am
Location: South Dakota

Re: I'm fairly certain my spree starter is bad, just want to make sure.

Post by NBraun »

Took it apart and the brushes are trash, tried to clean them up the best I could and got a couple seconds of spinning, but it inevitably stopped.
User avatar
Meatball
CB900F
CB900F
Posts: 2320
Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2016 10:45 am
Location: seattle

Re: I'm fairly certain my spree starter is bad, just want to make sure.

Post by Meatball »

Eclark claims the Suzuki LT80 starter rebuild kit fits the Spree. I presonally have no experience in doing this. Ebay has a few used starters for sale but prepare to pay up. Also verify what tooth count you have/need before purchase. If my memory is correct, the 84-85 had 10 and 86-87 had 11. Count teeth yourself.
I need to find some new haters...the ones I have are starting to like me.
User avatar
eclark5483
CB900F
CB900F
Posts: 1437
Joined: Thu Apr 14, 2016 5:15 am
Location: Spencer Iowa
Contact:

Re: I'm fairly certain my spree starter is bad, just want to make sure.

Post by eclark5483 »

Yes, LT80 rebuild kit will work fine, not all the parts, but the key ones you need will work. My 87's starter was rebuilt with an LT80 kit. The guy on eBay who is selling starters and adds a core charge has a nice little swindle going. All he's doing is rebuilding them with LT80 kits, selling them for a ridiculous amount, and in addition is conning people into sending him their old starter so he can turn around and do it again by telling them there is a core charge. Scandalous Bassturd. His BS scheme causes others who want to sell, think that they have gold so they in turn jack up their price. Avoid any of them and just rebuild what you have.
Last edited by eclark5483 on Tue May 21, 2019 6:37 am, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
eclark5483
CB900F
CB900F
Posts: 1437
Joined: Thu Apr 14, 2016 5:15 am
Location: Spencer Iowa
Contact:

Re: I'm fairly certain my spree starter is bad, just want to make sure.

Post by eclark5483 »

Just remember though, when you rebuild, make sure you clean all the old gunk out of the starter with a wire brush (and spray in brake cleaner/degreaser, etc) and re-grease. Don't forget to very lightly grease the bendix pinion as well. 30+ year old starters can collect rust inside and old grease dries out, which will hinder the use as well. Keep us updated and let us know how it goes.
NBraun
Noob
Noob
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon May 20, 2019 9:31 am
Location: South Dakota

Re: I'm fairly certain my spree starter is bad, just want to make sure.

Post by NBraun »

Thanks for the insight! I have a kit on the way for the starter. Unfortunately, I moved onto trying to get it to fire and did a compression test on it to find out it only has 60 PSI. So now I have a piston kit on the way as well.
User avatar
eclark5483
CB900F
CB900F
Posts: 1437
Joined: Thu Apr 14, 2016 5:15 am
Location: Spencer Iowa
Contact:

Re: I'm fairly certain my spree starter is bad, just want to make sure.

Post by eclark5483 »

OK, one thing you'll wanna watch out for there, is typically the pistons rings in these online kits are junk. You'll wanna order a set of genuine Honda rings which are still available online or from your local Honda dealer. Part number: 13011-GAB-305
NBraun
Noob
Noob
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon May 20, 2019 9:31 am
Location: South Dakota

Re: I'm fairly certain my spree starter is bad, just want to make sure.

Post by NBraun »

Thanks for the advice. I went with this set on the advice of a forum post earlier.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/372483631223
Post Reply