How to test a starter motor?

[ratwing]

Haynes says 'test for continuity between pairs of bars on the commutator', is this adjacent bars or all of them? I'm getting 0.2 ohms between any two around the commutator, is this ok? There's no shorting between the commutator and the shaft it spins on, anything else I should check?
I got hold of a 2nd hand motor (GL1100) but I still have the same problem, namely the motor will spin on the bench but will barely turn the engine.
The engine isn't seized because I can turn it in gear by the back wheel, I've run another earth from the battery to the starter bolts, the brushes & springs are ok, the commutator isn't clogged between the bars and I've tried bypassing the starter motor relay and the battery is ok - have tried using a known good car one too.
I really wanted to get the bike going for this weekend but its looking more and more unlikely :mad: :mad: . Anyone got any ideas at all, am I missing something really obvious? :confused: :confused:

[davesatan]

whats it like with the plugs out

[johnr]

wing starter clutches can fail, but they usually give the opposite problem, in that they just spin and spin. when you put it on, did you make sure the starter motor shaft splines engaged with the sprocket that it pushes into, as the 1100 starter drives a sprocket and chain which go round the starter clutch. if its not properly engaged in the sprocket, and if the chain isnt on the sprocket properly, it can jam the whole thing up when you put it all together.

[hacky]

http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/

[ratwing]

Cheers for the replies guys-
the starter clutch is ok and the chain isn't stuck, the engine does just about turn on the button, its almost like it turns until compression is enough to stop the starter turning although taking out the plugs doesn't really make much difference.
Have started looking through that goldwing site, there's a lot of info, hopefully there'll be some figures somewhere.
I think I really need to know how to check for duff armature windings & field coils anyone?

[Dusty]

where are you situated mate, there is a guy round the corner from me who repairs starters, prices start about £25.

I'm in Blackwood, South Wales.

[trikerdrew]

Tried and tested.

Body on neg pole of batt.Long bit of metal from live connection to +ve batt-spins.

Everything is cool and fluffy.

no spin strip and clean everything up.Assemble and 9 times out of ten it'll work.

Apologies ,I have no idea how to test like you want. :o

drew

[ratwing]

I must have the 1 in 10's :( , going to take them both to a local rebuilder here in Kent today and see what it'll cost to get one repaired. If its over £85 then I'll be buying a new one from the states. Dusty, do you have a number for that guy, might be worth a chat with him. Oh well, no Bum Freezer this weekend...