Model 94 wombat kick starter not engaging

[mclassbenz]

I have a recently acquired wombat that starter was working fine and while trying to start it on a cold day after kicking it over several times it stopped engaging what could be my problem and what the best way to fix it

[matt glascock]

Here's how the forum answered when I asked a similar question awhile back. "Split the cases"...gulp. Lots of very knowledgeable and helpful folks in this group. Look to page 16 on this forum. On May 9th 2016 I opened a thread titled "Combat Wombat Kick Starter Trouble". There's enough there to get you on your way. Good luck!

[viclioce]

Before you split the cases, do this first! Pull the kick start lever off the kick shaft and MAKE SURE that the spline teeth inside the kick shaft lever have not been worn down, or that the bolt holding it on is not loose!

I had this same question when I first started on my Wombat, and like Matt just said, everyone told me to "split the cases!"

Yes there can be an internal problem, likely with what's called the kick shaft bearing retainer. The older OEM retainers were too thin and had a tendency to split. Once this happens, splitting of the cases becomes mandatory! There is now a beefier one available which is stronger, more trustworthy. And if you do have to split the cases, then it's a good idea to replace the bearings, bushings & seals while in there. I found a great place to get good bearings really cost effective!

But check the splines on the inside of the kick start lever first. You may be truly glad you did! And if it is worn splines, let me know. I have one I'll send you for the cost of postage with even a new foot piece rubber on it!

And, I'm assuming you are new to the forum, so a big Welcome aboard from Santa Fe, New Mexico!

; D Victor

[socalhodaka]

You didn't by chance grab a handful of clutch by habit as I do sometimes on my modern bike. As I see this is post number 3 for you so Im taking that maybe your new to Hodaka. So as you know the bike must be in neutral.

[RichardMott]

I was under the impression that the sprag retainer for the roller balls that had the problem is on the Ace 100. Thought the 125 motors had a beefier retainer.

[taber hodaka]

When you kick start a Hodaka like a Harley 74 things happen. The retainers were improved several times.------Clarence

[viclioce]

I have a thinner retainer & a thicker one on 125 kick shafts I have as spares! ; D Victor

[squid on a 300]

You didn't by chance grab a handful of clutch by habit as I do sometimes on my modern bike. As I see this is post number 3 for you so Im taking that maybe your new to Hodaka. So as you know the bike must be in neutral.

Kelly
That threw me for a loop the first time I tried to start my CW. I was like WTF!!.....its a habit..I always pull in the clutch, even when in neutral, when starting my other bikes...
bob

[mclassbenz]

I can kneel beside the bike push down on the kick starter and it has a crunchy feel without it turning the engine over and the spring returns kick starter back to its original position this rules out a loose bolt on the lever if I'm correct it sounding like to me I'm going to have to open the case and replace the bearing retainer and while I'm at it bearings and seals

[matt glascock]

Good call

[mclassbenz]

Thank to everyone for your replies it turned out to be a loose bolt at kickstart shaft

[ossa95d]

The Hodaka will fool you because the spring inserts into the kick lever itself. So Victor is right that if it is stripped and slipping on the shaft, the spring will still return it to its starting location. Glad you found the problem.

[viclioce]

Glad you checked it! That turned out to be my problem too, after splitting the cases twice and finding nothing wrong inside! Put a little blue loctite on that bolt to keep it from loosening up and let it sit over night before kick starting again!

And thanks for the kudos Pop! ; D Victor