Battery? Nope! Part 3 - Ducati.ms

Mad Dog · Nov 24th, 2011, 12:30 am

well, my continuing saga (on my ST4) continues! I finally worked on the starter switch to see if there was something amiss there. I pulled my Gilera switch apart years ago to switch out a broken part and this is a similar setup. Probably the same OEM firm. Pain to get it back together, but I figured it out again this time. Switch seemed to be fine. However, with the ignition on I only got a kind of whirring noise without the starter kicking in when pushing the button. Over on the left side of the bike and it continues on for about 2 or 3 seconds after I let off the switch. Any ideas what that is all about? I guess I need to look at the solenoid, but I am not sure where it is or how to get at it. Bit of help please

stryder · Nov 24th, 2011, 1:11 am

*Maybe* this thread might help:

Need help - PLEASE

Mad Dog · Nov 24th, 2011, 7:36 am

yeah, looked through that earlier, but didn't seem to be the problem. Now that I look at it again, and with my free wheeling noise, this may just be the problem I have. Will look it over on the weekend. I imagine both bottom fairings come off to do all this.

Mad Dog · Nov 24th, 2011, 11:32 pm

Just looking through a 2001 ST4 service manual (can't find one on-line for my 2004) and it seems getting the starter out and working on the starter idler gear is a major operation. Everything on that side comes off and special tools seem to be needed. I imagine the engine is basically the same in this area. Not sure it is something I wish to attempt with my limited working space (During the winter with only a roof of sorts overhead) and resources. Any comments? Sounds like a good time to get the belts changed, perhaps a new clutch or or clutch plates as well. Any comments on this?

stryder · Nov 25th, 2011, 8:00 am

I don't know if LT Snyder's Desmotimes ST manual may be of any help, but if you don't have it, get it. If you don't feel comfortable, then take it to a shop, BUT, you will never know what you can do until you try it. I say try to effect a repair yourself before taking it to a shop. You haver nothing to lose, and look at it this way: if in fact one does need special tools, that's the price you'd pay the shop for labour, but, you get to keep the tool.

Mad Dog · Nov 25th, 2011, 8:37 am

Grazie!