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06-30-2010, 2:30 PM polekilla Joined on 03-16-2009 Crest Hill,IL Posts 27 Engine doesn't seem to move, but it worked fine until I took it apart Have an 81CX500C. After A LOT of trial and error, I had a bike that ran, but not smoothly and I finally narrowed it down to needing to replace the stator. (Bike has about 20K miles.) Got a brand new one, and followed my manual to take apart engine. Here's how it went. Started in April and got the engine removed. After a few weeks of being busy, I finally installed the correct Stator. In June I finally got the engine bolted up and reinstalled on the bike. After crossing my fingers, I turned it on and....the electronics worked. I tried to start it, and....the starter was buzzing but not moving. Removed and Inspected the starter, and I realized that it works fine, but the engine isn't budging at all. Took the engine back off the bike and opened it up, expecting to see something jammed or not lined up correctly, but...not sure what to look for. The gear by the starter moves freely counter clockwise but it takes much effort to move it clockwise. The flywheel assembly? (Big round thing in the middle that goes around stator) is very difficult to move in either direction. It's oily and slick, but it does move a little. Any suggestions? Could I have missed something. I'm sure I may have screwed something up, but I just don't know what it is? Any and all suggestions are welcome! Thanks for reading!    Report

06-30-2010, 3:27 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: Engine doesn't seem to move, but it worked fine until I took it apart Take the front inspection cover off and try to turn the engine with the spark plugs out using a 17mm socket on a ratchet from the front. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

06-30-2010, 6:53 PM Harold Joined on 12-28-2006 Beside Washademoak Lake, N.B. Canada Posts 851 Re: Engine doesn't seem to move, but it worked fine until I took it apart If the engine turns after doing what Stitch suggested above, then there are a few things you can check,, Did you use a gasket when you put the rear cover on? The gasket must be in place to act as a spacer or it will bind the starter gear. When you put the engine back together before, is there any chance you had too many washers under the water pump impeller? I put mine together once and had an extra washer because I thought one was missing, but it was actually stuck in the back of the impeller,,so when I put another one on, it made the impeller bind on the water pump cover. Sometimes the washer can be on the camshaft and be rusted and hard to see, so people think it is missing and put another on leading to the same result. Another possibility, although you probably checked, is that the battery was almost dead after sitting awhile. "People are more violently opposed to fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than biker gangs." 1978 CX500 1980 CX500 Custom 1981 CX500 Custom 1982 GL500 Silverwing 1975 XL-100 http://www.myspace.com/downwiththebutterfly    Report

07-01-2010, 7:32 AM polekilla Joined on 03-16-2009 Crest Hill,IL Posts 27 Re: Engine doesn't seem to move, but it worked fine until I took it apart What is the "front inspection cover"? What does it look like? I'll check the manual again, but I'm not sure what that is. Also, I wanted to mention that my Radiator Fan and Impellor do not move at all. I thought (Although I could be wrong) that they moved very freely the first time I opened the engine up. Thanks!    Report

07-01-2010, 7:36 AM polekilla Joined on 03-16-2009 Crest Hill,IL Posts 27 Re: Engine doesn't seem to move, but it worked fine until I took it apart thanks for the ideas! Battery was just tendered and had a full charge. I did replace all the gaskets. I'll check the extra washer scenario on the impeller because it doesn't move at all and neither does the fan for the radiator.    Report

07-01-2010, 7:38 AM spanish bandit Joined on 02-12-2009 southern spain Posts 5,010 Re: Engine doesn't seem to move, but it worked fine until I took it apart  polekilla wrote: What is the "front inspection cover"? What does it look like? I'll check the manual again, but I'm not sure what that is. Also, I wanted to mention that my Radiator Fan and Impellor do not move at all. I thought (Although I could be wrong) that they moved very freely the first time I opened the engine up. Thanks! 17mm nut under your radiator,remove it.under it, is another 17mm nut,turn this clockwise[tighten] with a wrench,in neutral,and plugs out when i feel the need,i do it,llego,ve 60,s ----------------------------- 2008.1982 honda gli silverwing [uk model ] 2010.1981 honda gli silverwing [uk model ]    Report

07-01-2010, 7:39 AM dean Joined on 06-13-2007 Pittsboro, NC Posts 511 Re: Engine doesn't seem to move, but it worked fine until I took it apart  polekilla wrote: What is the "front inspection cover"? What does it look like? look at the front of your engine.  just above/between the clutch cover and the oil filter is the cover.  it kinda looks like a randomly placed 17mm nut.  screw it off and use you're 17mm ratchet to try and turn the engine. 06 FZ6 80 CX500 Custom (project) 83 Gl650I (given back to original owner)    Report

07-01-2010, 11:31 AM polekilla Joined on 03-16-2009 Crest Hill,IL Posts 27 Re: Engine doesn't seem to move, but it worked fine until I took it apart Took out spark plugs. Located inspection cover/bolt. Turned engine clockwise, and it turns. It takes a little bit of effort through about 1/2 way, then it gets easier, and then repeats. I turned the engine over multiple times. and it seems to move freely, but like I said, it takes a little bit of effort. What do I do next?    Report

07-01-2010, 12:28 PM Timothy_D Joined on 04-22-2006 Santa Rosa, CA Posts 1,585 Re: Engine doesn't seem to move, but it worked fine until I took it apart Rebuild your starter. Ooooh, I just thought of something else: Are you 100% sure that you put in the thrust washer? (part number 16 on the Alternator schematic) CX500 Turbo, GL650I, Two CX650E's, and one Crown Jewel of the CX line- CX650T. Why do I own five CX/GL bikes? Ask an alcoholic why he drinks. Donating Member. Sold: 1981 CX500D, 2- 1982 CX500T's, 1983 CX650C.    Report

07-02-2010, 6:41 AM polekilla Joined on 03-16-2009 Crest Hill,IL Posts 27 Re: Engine doesn't seem to move, but it worked fine until I took it apart So I took my starter apart and everything looks in order. Is there a way I can test it without having to put my engine back together. It moves freely, brushes look okay, soldered connections all look good a little black dust inside. Is it possible to short out a starter? I may have done that when I put the engine back together. Any other help is really appreciated.    Report

07-02-2010, 7:10 AM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 UK.2x1980CX500A Posts 7,647 Re: Engine doesn't seem to move, but it worked fine until I took it apart Place the wire side on your battery  positive terminal and the case onto the negative.See if it spins. If it doesn't spin when back on the bike use a heavy screwdriver across the solenoid terminals so if it will turn the engine.Is the battery charged and in good condition? My Music http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

07-02-2010, 9:57 AM BillRod Joined on 11-09-2009 Richton Park, IL 33 miles SW of Chicago Posts 350 Re: Engine doesn't seem to move, but it worked fine until I took it apart When I adjusted the valves on my GL500 I also noticed that it took some effort to turn the engine over with the 17mm ratchet and determined it was due to the operation of the valve train. I am having no problems with the engine. (knock on wood) BillRod 71 years old (April 1939) Richton Park, Illinois Just bought 1982 GL500 Naked 13,000 miles Never worry about theory as long as the machinery does what it is supposed to do.    Report

07-14-2010, 9:07 AM polekilla Joined on 03-16-2009 Crest Hill,IL Posts 27 Re: Engine doesn't seem to move, but it worked fine until I took it apart So.....I turned the engine with a wrench, seems fine. Tested the started....moves well and seems fine. After dropping out my engine and piecing it all together, I think I figured out the problem. The P.O. had replaced the 30amp fuse next the the selanoid/rectifier with a small bent piece of copper. When I was putting my engine back on the first time, I must have shorted the battery or crossed the wires or what ever, because I remember finding that piece after I saw some sparks. I had no idea what it was and figured it was just an extra piece of wire. It just happens to fit perfectly where that fuse should be. So..I rewired the fuse to include a real 30 amp fuse. This would make sense because my battery had full juice, but no power was going to my starter, which would stop if from running. I'm going to mount my engine and (Cross my fingers and pray) that it starts up. Does this all make since based on what I was experiencing? Just need a little reassurance. If it doesn't fire up, I'll be stuck for sure. Thanks for all of your help!    Report

07-14-2010, 9:38 AM need4steed Joined on 11-06-2008 Joliet IL Posts 659 Re: Engine doesn't seem to move, but it worked fine until I took it apart polekilla, where the hell in crest hill IL are you at? im at theodor and essington! I didnt know i had another fellow cx'er/gl'er so close. What dont kill you makes you more strong...metallica 1980 CX500 (sold) 1982 GL500 (cafe) AKA black bomber (473 Miles since finished build) 1980 xs850 yamaha (sold) 1979 CX500 (Track Bike) 72 cl350 (cafe project #2) AKA Ol Goat    Report

07-18-2010, 7:13 AM polekilla Joined on 03-16-2009 Crest Hill,IL Posts 27 Re: Engine doesn't seem to move, but it worked fine until I took it apart I'm just off of Larkin and 30. Probably haven't seen me since my bike has been TKOed since about april. I'll keep an eye out though!    Report

07-18-2010, 7:54 AM George in Indiana Joined on 03-03-2006 Posts 954 Re: Engine doesn't seem to move, but it worked fine until I took it apart I don't see how the 30 amp fuse can be your problem when you originally said you had full electrics and the starter was buzzing but not moving. For the rear cover, did you use a real Honda gasket? CX500 TURBO CX650 TURBO '04 GSX1300R Hayabusa    Report

07-19-2010, 9:48 AM polekilla Joined on 03-16-2009 Crest Hill,IL Posts 27 Re: Engine doesn't seem to move, but it worked fine until I took it apart Good point, but I may have been mistaken where the "buzzing" was coming from. Could it have been coming from the Rectifier/coil where that fuse was? I know for sure that there was no fuse in there when I was trying to start it, because I have since taken it apart. My lights, blinkers, and speedo all worked, but I couldn't get it to start. It was like I had a low battery, but I still had full power on everything else, (Plus the battery is only a year old and fully tendered before I tried to start it.) And yes, I did have an OEM gasket on the rear cover when I put it back together. I'm working on it today, so I hope I'll be able to start it right up. Cross your fingers for me! Thanks for your time.    Report

07-19-2010, 11:51 AM need4steed Joined on 11-06-2008 Joliet IL Posts 659 Re: Engine doesn't seem to move, but it worked fine until I took it apart could there be something with the nuetral switch? What dont kill you makes you more strong...metallica 1980 CX500 (sold) 1982 GL500 (cafe) AKA black bomber (473 Miles since finished build) 1980 xs850 yamaha (sold) 1979 CX500 (Track Bike) 72 cl350 (cafe project #2) AKA Ol Goat    Report

07-19-2010, 3:06 PM Abes_CW Joined on 04-17-2007 saskatoon Posts 3,036 Re: Engine doesn't seem to move, but it worked fine until I took it apart I've heard of the 30 amp fuses just crumbling. It could be it passes enough current for the lights, but not enough for the starter. I'd change it anyway. Try jumping the starter with direct current from the battery. 1983 GL650i Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure! age 38 (29 plus tax)    Report

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