Starter Sprag Clutch replacement

[woodmanr]

So, the 996 won't start. The starter cranks, but isn't turning the engine, so, i'm assuming it's a sprag issue on the starter. Anyone know where/how to go about getting a new sprag? This engine is Webman's old 996RS detuned down for street, yadda yadda yadda. I'm afraid of just burning out another sprag further on down the line. Does anyone know of a stronger/more durable starter that will work?

[Old Fart]

Sprags from Ducati cost a fortune. Like 800 bucks fortune. But!! Here's the dealio. The same sprag is available from KTM for a fraction of the cost. Sorry, I don't have the KTM part number for you.

*** Try this first. Open it up and you'll see that there is a spring that holds the little sprags in. 80% of the time this is the culprit as it gets beat up and weak. Of course it's not available through Ducati. So go to a NAPA parts store and buy an oil seal and snitch the spring out of it and toss the rest out. Works perfectly for about $7. CR seal #19778.
Now talk about a cheap fix huh?

Note#2
Somewhere within the 996 era Ducati changed the starter gear ratios to make it easier on the starter motor. The newer lower ratio turned the engine slower. Has no bearing on sprag life though as the same amount of torque is handled by the sprag to turn the engine over. It's just easier on the motor as it can pull less amps.

[huit]

the sprag itself is a couple hundred bucks, the price goes up if you need all the rest of it.
paul

[woodmanr]

Well, price is sucky high, but, right now, the bike is just a giant paperweight...

Thanks for the info guys, i'll look into it/forward the info onto my friend. Hopefully over thanksgiving i'll be able to work on it when i'm back from AZ

[woodmanr]

So, i was just looking online at that Napa seal. I don't know much about how oil seals work, but, from the pictures, it looks like just an oil seal. Why would there be a spring on it, and what does it do?

[duckracer]

The spring is to apply a slight amount of tension on the seal to keep it's shape and allow it to conform to the shape of what it is sealing. The seal will not show up in the pictures, but it will be there.

[Old Fart]

What duckracer said.
Just peel the rubber lip over to expose the spring and take it out.

[916duc]

Once you take the spring from the inside lip of that seal, it's a good idea to solder the ends together. I had to take mine all apart just because the ends came loose..... PITA

[TrickLidz]

Get DesmoTimes repair manual (by LT Snyder) there's info in there about repairing the sprag spring--easy and cheap.
Go to the DesmoTimes forum and ask about it.