Hard starting

Bought 1983 used honda vt750c. Cleaned and adjusted carbs twice. Second time
for good luck. Motor started and ran. Still have some issues, re: adjusting
but problem is now while trying to start, starter makes a chattering noise.
Like in a car were starter is engaging and being kicked out. Any info would
be appreciated.

 

Begin by charging the battery.

 

Agree, charged battery is a good place to start.
But my VT500c does the same thing. First symptom was 5 starts ago.
Now won't start at all. Came on really fast. Just researched it.

Article claims that the springs in the starter clutch get weak
and can't hold the thing engaged for starting. Then it bangs up
the inside of the clutch which makes it slip more...vicious circle...
I haven't opened mine up yet.
mike

 

The starter is protected by a device that is sometimes called a
"Bendix" drive. It's an over run clutch. There is a "dog" engagement
pawl that fails causing this symptom. As previously suggested check the
battery first for starting current. The voltage can be fine but if the
cranking current is not up to snuff the symptom is identical. Good
luck.

 

Mine uses an automotive type starter/solenoid combo.

I had some engagement problems a while ago.

Swapped the solenoid and relay and lubed the bushings. (Brushes
and bushings didn't need replacement).

This improved things a whole lot, but I still get occasional problems
where it'll spin without engaging. What I find is that fiddling with
the ignition switch seems to fix things.

I'm not sure exactly what's going on with the ignition switch but
suspect
that if the switch contacts aren't seated quite right something gets
starved
for current due to high resistance.

It'd be interesting to watch an analog voltmeter while these starting
problems are occurring. Not sure what mechanical issues might be
suspects in your particular starter.