Ok, bit of a lengthy update on my various Naughtistrada problems. First one of the injectors was leaking badly, that was causing the horizontal cylinder to over fuel and run mega rich, it was also causing hydrolocking. Easy albeit very time consuming fix as lots of bits have to come off to get to it. Next problem was what I thought was a bad starter - it was screaming and not turning the engine over - upon further investigation it was clear it was the sprag clutch not grabbing. when I took the flyweel assembly off I think I came across the root cause of all my problems -- some naughty person had been in there and made a small but significant mistake. Behind the assembly there should be a washer - it's about 15 thou thick and sits around the inner needle bearing. Only mine didn't, it had somehow become trapped and was causing all manner of naughtiness. The sprag looked a bit of a mess so a new one is on it's way, a new washer will of course be fitted. if i could work out how to do it I would put a photo up but I have no idea how to do that, full info on my blog - www.mechanicalmarvels.co.uk
Hydro-locking will probably do serious damage to the sprag clutch to start with. Forgive me if I'm wrong but maybe you meant to say that, However, from what you wrote I didn't read it as you recognising that the issues were related.
Thanks R, but read thread earlier and looks as though Rudolph has this nailed but always here if not. - we are many "spraggers" on here aren't we?
it's the same R - amazing just how little changed over the years. Section N8/page 120:- https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1213247/Ducati-Ss1000ds.html?page=412#manual
thanks for posting that, it confirms what I thought. Fortunately the sprag I have ordered comes with the washer in an unmangled state. It wasn't what I expected to find but glad I found something clearly wrong. I was just about at the point of cutting my losses and breaking the bike but I will give it one last chance. I am thinking of improving the looks of it by riding at speed in to a brick wall but will see if I can fix the engine first
Sorry, I am barely coherent at the best of times. The sprag took a hell of a beating from the hydrolocking so I am replacing it anyway. The amount of work to get to it kind of dictates that putting a tired looking one back in there is a bit daft. I don't believe the washer hurt the sprag but I do believe it would have caused excessive drag which will have hurt the original starter. The bike will end up having a new starter, battery and sprag so I know the job is done right. Cheers and all that.
Sounds like the same idiot worked on your multi and my 999 with regard to that washer. See Post #116 onwards on page 6 of this thread: https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/project-999.87890/ Particularly #118
having said this, I hope that you have thoroughly inspected both drive faces though Rudolph, you need to do not only a visual but the nail test as if either of these are too abraded then just replacing the actual sprag will be a false economy sadly, and a short-lived repair.
totally agree - the whole lot is being replaced. It's all pretty nasty, just had another look at the sprag itself - it was a bit dark when I looked yesterday, now the full horror is apparent I am glad I have the whole shooting match on order. I'll try and do some photos, it's truly horrific.
Blimey, looks like Stevie Wonder got pissed and let loose with a socket set. Not the finest repair job I have ever seen - some people should not be allowed anywhere near tools.
