Hi, not used to forums so hope I’m doing this correctly. I have a technical question for anybody knowledgeable on V50’s. I have an 82 V50 III, recently had a starter problem, while repairing the starter noticed the ring gear is in very poor condition, and the starter will sometimes not mesh with the ring gear. Planning on the repair over the winter, but read somewhere there is a variation in starters, some have an 8 tooth pinion and some have a 9 tooth pinion. My starter has an 8 tooth pinion, but I can’t find any reference to 8 or 9 in the parts list, or the correct corresponding ring gear. If somebody could enlighten me on the intricacies of this, I would greatly appreciate it. I have already spoken to Gutsibits but they didn’t seem to know what I was talking about. thanks Iain
Hi Iain
I’m not entirely sure but i think this is where the confusion occurs. I believe Bosch Starters fitted to the ‘LoopFrame’ models that have the under slung solenoid have a 9 tooth Pinnion. All Bosch Starters, with an over slung Solenoid, fitted from around 75-88, Big Block and Small Block, have an 8 tooth Pinnion.
Also, Valeo Starters fitted 88 on have a 9 tooth Pinnion but can be retro fitted and i have done so successfully many times!
Also (again), the Later, i guess you’d call them Series 2 Bosch fitted from around 2010 can also be retro fitted easily to the Small Block but interfere with the Neutral switch on the Big Block upto and including the 1100’s. Again i have done this on a number of occasions!
If you need a Ring Gear i have several on the shelf.
Regards, Nik
Hi Nik, thanks very much for responding, I’m relatively new to Guzzi’s and learning all the time. My starter is a Bosch starter, and appears in reasonable condition, but had stuck brushes, so I would probably keep my starter if possible when I come to do the job. Your information is very helpful, and I will contact you again in a few months to sort out what I actually need, once it is stripped out. thanks again Iain
Iain, are you sure the problem is not the well-known Click No Crank issue? This is due to the way Guzzi wired the starter system and sometimes means that the starter won’t fully function. It’s easily fixed by a wiring modification.
Ian P
Hi ranton_rambler, thanks for responding, all responses are appreciated. No the problem is not the starter relay, the problem you outlined. I know what the problem is, I just didn’t have the parts knowledge to identify what I needed for the repair. Nik Wallis has pretty much sorted out what I need Parts wise to do the job, but I’m not meaning to have the engine out until we run out of good weather. Thanks again for showing interest. cheers Iain.
If you do decide to strip the starter motor, there is an excellent guide on how it comes apart on This Old Tractor website
https://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_starter_and_solenoid_repair_-bosch-.html
Hi Don-Spada, thanks for info, already had it stripped and cleaned, but good information is always a plus. cheers Iain