My NC24 is having trouble starting electrically

[FrisianVFR]

Hello boys and girls,

This is my first post on this forum, but far from my first visit. It's been really helpful so far, but I'm afraid I have a problem I haven't found a clear answer to as of yet. This thread answered at least part of my problem, but not entirely.

Okay, so my problem is as follows: at cold start my startermotor engages fires up the engine the moment you use it. However because it's cold my engine will die easily (usually before 5 sec have passed, even with choke on), and from that moment on it is impossible to start it with the startermotor. The startermotor turns over, but it will not start the engine. Bumpstarting is usually very easy and starts it at the first atempt 90% of the time. The startermotor will not turn the engine over when the engine is warm/hot, but the startermotor itself does turn over.

Bit of info: My bike's a 1988 NC24 with medium mileage. The battery is an as good as new Yuasa unit (about 15 months old), it's always parked inside a heated barn/garage/warehouse, always with a full tank of Euro95 and full battery. It's probably irrelevant, but all oils/lubricants have been in place for only ~3000km/July '14. Before I got it (July '14) it had been owned by a woman who maybe rode 250 km per year since she had children 3 years ago, so it'd hardly been ridden for 3 years. Since I've owned it I've put about 5000 km on it, but it has been standing still all winter (late november until early march) as well. Pic related, that's my VFR:



I think that it's either the fact that it has essentially stood still for 3 years and last winter and as a result the carbs might be as dirty as can be or maybe old/dirty plugs are installed. I've also entertained the thought that it might be the starter clutch. I have done no research into the current state of my carbs and plugs, and can only do so in a few days time.

Thank you so much for your time and answers, any feedback or questions will be appreciated!

TL;DR: 1988 NC24 won't start electrically when engine's cold or warm, bumpstarting works, full tank of gas, relatively new fully charged Yuasa battery.

[magg]

If I understand your description correctly, the starter motor turns whenever you press the starter button but the starter motor does not always engage with the engine. This scenerio would be typical of a faulty starter clutch, as you have suggested.

I would fix the starter clutch problem and then investigate any fuelling problem.

[FrisianVFR]

Yeah, that's what I thought. If I want to replace the starter clutch, would replacing only this part in it's entirety work? I'm having a lot of trouble finding new ones where I'm located (Netherlands).

Thanks for your answer!

[magg]

There is a parts list for an NC24 on the cmsnl website that will give you part numbers. OEM parts might be expensive or no longer available, they may also be the same numbers as those of an NC30, which can be found in the document section on this website. You will have to disassemble the unit and replace the defective parts, Honda does not list a complete unit part number. An less expensive alternatively would be to put a wanted ad on this website for a second-hand one. There plenty of bike parts available in the UK.

[magg]

I should have read your post more carefully, the link your provided to the ebay part is the unit you need.

[FrisianVFR]

Thank you for the confirmation, I'll try and find one ASAP.

Question: Can I use the starter clutch from an NC21 instead of an NC24?

[magg]

If you do not drain the sump, you will need to catch the oil that runs out when you remove the clutch cover or you can simply drain the sump, although a little oil will still run out when the clutch cover is removed.

Cannot answer the second question, someone on the forum may be able to or you can compare part numbers between NC21 and NC24. If the part numbers are different then the parts may not be interchangeable.

[FrisianVFR]

Thanks, I was looking for an answer and found it just before I read your reply. Looks like I'll have to do an early oil change! I'll look for more info on the clutch, haven't found anyting definitive here as of now.

[magg]

Part numbers for most parts of the starter clutch for NC21, NC24 and NC30 appear to be the same. But there may be significant differences in some parts that stops them from being interchangeable. Again someone on this forum may be better placed to comment.

Why is the part from your ebay link not suitable?

[FrisianVFR]

I think it will be suitable, problem is the fact that it's a second hand part so I might run into the same problem I have right now sooner rather than later with it. I've been looking around for a new part though, and they're extremely expensive for a university student like me, so I'll have to make do with a secondhand part!