What happened to my kick starter?

[viclioce]

OK great news! I got the motor running and solved the shifting problems. However something seems to have gone wrong with the kick starter. Now when I kick down on it I does not turn the motor over and feels like a ratchet when pressing down. It moves way to easy. Did I break something? Did something come loose? I had it running and my neighbor said don't keep holding the kick starter arm down with your foot. I let go when he said and was still able to kick the engine over, but now it's not engaging & turning the engine over! HELP!!! - Victor

[taber hodaka]

Is it slipping where the arm fits onto the shaft? If it is slipping inside then there is some parts you will need, I think one it is called the kick start roller retainer. On the early hodaka's the retainer would not take any abuse and heavy duty ones were made available. Also the kick start shaft can become pitted where the rollers touch the shaft, I would never use a pitted one. If you have to split the cases make sure the seals, bearings and shift parts are in good shape. When starting a hodaka don't kick it like a Harley 74. Just put some pressure on the kick starter shaft and as it moves follow it through> In the mean time I hope the elves have fixed yours.----------------Clarence

[viclioce]

Where do I find these Elves???

I assume this means I have to split the cases? I was hoping there might have been a simpler answer!

I have a model 94 motor. I'm guessing it has the older weaker part you speak of. Just my luck too! I've been working on this bike since early May and finally had her back together for the chance to set the carb and ride it for the very first time! Now it looks like I have to pull the engine, break it apart and do a near full bottom end rebuild on it. OH well. Maybe something for the Winter.