Starter removal on a '78

[rich3389]

I am trying to remove the starter from my '78...I have the exhaust removed and the shifter...It seems that the exhaust manifold stud is the only thing stopping the starter from being removed all the way.
Unfortunately I am unable to get the stud removed from the head, I tried double and triple nutting it, vice grips, heat, etc and the thing wont budge!

Is there any secret to getting this thing out without removing the exhaust stud?

[Lucien Harpress]

Sadly, no. At least on my '77, the exhaust stud has to come out. Have you tried an overnight PB Blaster soak?

(I could be wrong, but I seem to remember an alternate method of starter removal on another site- rather than pulling the entire starter motor off, you basically dis-assembled it first, and took it off in pieces. Not sure if you'd still need to remove the stud, and having never done it myself I am NOT advocating it. Proceed at your own risk)

[backyardbob]

I have the same problem with mine, (77) rather than risk twisting the stud off I removed the header, the shift lever and the removable side of the frame. the starter comes out ok then. A lot of extra work but all you loose is time. if I ever have the motor out again so I can turn it upside down I will replace the stud, but chances are I will croak before that is necessary. just reworked the starter last year and it should be good for another 20. I doubt if I will.

[rich3389]

I have the same problem with mine, (77) rather than risk twisting the stud off I removed the header, the shift lever and the removable side of the frame. the starter comes out ok then. A lot of extra work but all you loose is time. if I ever have the motor out again so I can turn it upside down I will replace the stud, but chances are I will croak before that is necessary. just reworked the starter last year and it should be good for another 20. I doubt if I will.

What all is involved in removing the side of the frame?

[robin1731]

What all is involved in removing the side of the frame?

This shows how it is mounted and the bolts that need to be removed to take it off. It isn't too bad. http://www.servicehondapsn.com/fiche_se ... veh=132887

[backyardbob]

two bolts at the front of the removable member, two at the back, lower front engine bolt nut, rear lower engine bolt.

[Lucien Harpress]

The best part about removing the subframe is getting it back in. I did it on my 1200, and it's about 5 different bolts that need to line up in a space of about a foot, half of which you can't see.

Doable, but very "fun".

[rich3389]

OK got the starter out! I removed the subframe like advised and it came right out.
So I took it apart and cleaned it up and re-greased it and it now starts like a new bike!

[CYBORG]

Good to hear

[rnelson]

Nice work!

[brokentoe]

Way to go. That starter removal is an aggravation that a lot of us have experienced. Feel free to take a couple of bows.