Mz125 SM starter rotation direction

[crocodilemick]

Quickly - which way is the starter motor in an MZ125 SM supposed to run? Clockwise, or counter?

More lengthily, I bought a 2004 MZ 125 SM from a kid (Kid B) that had in turn purchased from another kid (Kid A) - kid A, apparently fancied himself a mechanic and pulled the starter clutch, and threw it away - also fancied himself an electrician, the loom was so cut around I had to throw it out, and he'd also removed the ignitor and thrown it away.

This site has been a fantastic resource in figuring out how it should look, having purchased a whole new sprag clutch, bearing, washer and gear it all looks good, however, when I hit the starter, the sprag just screeches and rotates - Clockwise, this doesn't seem right to me, as the clutch locks anticlockwise, and the balance shaft it bolts to mates directly to the crankshaft, I really think the starter motor and sprag gear should be running counterclockwise.

Anyway, if it's too esoteric a question, don't worry about it, I think I'll strip down the starter motor anyway and see if Kid A did some exploring and miswiring in there too, but if anyone knows or can check I'd be greatly appreciative! Thanks

[crocodilemick]

Well, I bought a spare engine and starter motor, so I'll soon see.

[therealche]

Let us know when you find out. it might help the next person having problems

[DAVID THOMPSON]

probably best way
the worst bike to work on is one that has been knackered by some one that knows nothing about
mechanical things

bikes and radios lead the list
dave

rt125starter

[crocodilemick]

Well, I put jump leads over the new starter and it is running anticlockwise (as I'd hoped), going to strip them down side by side with old one. the clockwise one has been apart twice and looks like it only goes together one way. So I'm assuming its actually off a different bike and just looks the same.

Will update with my findings.

[crocodilemick]

Well, having dismantled the original starter motor 3 times now I really can't see anyway it could be assembled in such a way as to reverse the polarity (the brush assembly is asymmetrically keyed so won't go any other way and the perm magnet shell similarly so), so I think it must have been a similar spare from another bike.

I'm happy to report that the replacement motor running anticlockwise is turning my motor over beautifully. Some pictures of the two side by side (clockwise on the left, anti on the right). You can see there are some slight differences (2004 and 2006 motor, same part number stated), the anti one has some markings on the body of the outer shell, otherwise no visible differences.

[therealche]

Thanks for keeping everyone updated. I'm sure it will help someone else out in the future