What the hell could this be

Mikey · Mar 26, 2019

Last year my electric starter quit as in hit the button nothing
This spring I opened up the left side to replace the leaky gasket and I found this laying inside
It's a copper coated piece of aluminum quite stiff as in you can't bend it easily by hand
it must of got caught in the gear and that's why the starter gear jammed up ?
From the transmission? I've been looking at parts diagrams nothing I can figure out
I also need to open up and check the sump filter area maybe more evidence?
Just thought I would put it out there so more experienced members might have a clue

Mikey · Mar 26, 2019

I meant the right side Sorry

Rasputin · Mar 26, 2019

Maybe it’s the thrust washer off the tacho Drive spindle.

Mikey · Mar 26, 2019

Rasputin said:
Maybe it’s the thrust washer off the tacho Drive spindle.

It's a good place to start Thanks I looked at the parts diagram on Partzilla TACHOMETER GEAR TX650A - XS650B and don't see a thrust washer maybe it has a different name?

Jim · Mar 26, 2019

Beags64 · Mar 26, 2019

The one on the bottom of the shaft - #8?

Beags64 · Mar 26, 2019

Jim types faster than me

Mikey · Mar 26, 2019

Jim said:
View attachment 137701

would that be aluminum copper coated ? pressed into the case

5twins · Mar 26, 2019

I don't think so. I'm pretty sure it's steel .....

Mikey · Mar 26, 2019

The one I have is copper coated aluminum (tried magnet on it)but I have to dig into the bike tomorrow I don't really care what it's made of if it's missing on the bike I am a happy man
That would be Great if that's all it was !!!!

jay760 · Mar 26, 2019

If those are inches it's way to big to be off the tacho looks like the top of a circlip that's part of the starter mechanism on the right side of the engine

Mikey · Mar 26, 2019

I just looked at the diagram too see where the circlip was and I don't think that's the part that I have that was chewed up and the circlip would be steel at as I have had that one off a few times trying to fix the starter (wishbone spring issue)
Mind you I'm not complaining any info gets me closer to where I need to be

650Skull · Mar 26, 2019

Technically, Part #8 is a "Shim"

mrtwowheel · Mar 26, 2019

My tach drive shim/washer is steel, I pulled it out of there with a magnet. What you have there is bigger than that shim.

Scott

member28833 · Mar 26, 2019

Greyandridin said:
I also need to open up and check the sump filter area maybe more evidence?

Are you at the sump plate yet ? It could be a UFO (unidetified foreign object)

DogBunny · Mar 26, 2019

Trying to approach this logically:
I can't think of a single component that is copper-coated aluminum.
I can't think of anything that is copper that is inside the engine.
There are a few larger external copper sealing washers that are about the right size. For example, the neutral switch sealing washer. Or the oil feed tube banjo bolt washers. I think one fell in during assembly, or through the dipstick hole, and got wiped against the aluminum case while being mangled by a steel gear, thus picking up a layer of aluminum and resulting in what you found.

TwoManyXS1Bs · Mar 26, 2019

Not what you want to hear.

I believe that the crank/rod roller bearing cages are copper plated aluminum.

From here:

https://thexscafedotcom.wordpress.com/category/m-engine/motor-crank/

hotdog · Mar 27, 2019

Yup - not what he wants to hear...

IIRC the only copper (ish) colored materials in them are the big end cages, big end thrust washers, possibly cam chain tensioner dampening washer and the bronze clutch bushing.?

Possibly a sealing washer from one of the sump drain bolts, however, I don't know the possibilities of one of those finding their way into the cases...

Mikey · Mar 27, 2019

DogBunny said:
Trying to approach this logically:
I can't think of a single component that is copper-coated aluminum.
I can't think of anything that is copper that is inside the engine.
There are a few larger external copper sealing washers that are about the right size. For example, the neutral switch sealing washer. Or the oil feed tube banjo bolt washers. I think one fell in during assembly, or through the dipstick hole, and got wiped against the aluminum case while being mangled by a steel gear, thus picking up a layer of aluminum and resulting in what you found.

I believe you are right on this as I do not see any other signs that show aluminum any where else
If the core was aluminum I should see it in other areas by they way this thing is bashed around
I will take a file to it but I'm sure it's solid copper

gggGary · Mar 27, 2019

Kinda looks like a piece of aluminum house wire that's been formed around a fixture screw. Never know what might have snuck into an open engine whilst setting in the garage

What the hell could this be

got muscles in his head that ain't never been used

Attachments

got muscles in his head that ain't never been used

XS650 Junkie

got muscles in his head that ain't never been used

Attachments

Beyond the edge is the unknown. Here be Dragons

XS650 Guru

XS650 Guru

got muscles in his head that ain't never been used

XS650 Guru

got muscles in his head that ain't never been used

XS650 Guru

got muscles in his head that ain't never been used

Cockytoo

Honda Etched On Brain

Race the wind

Motorcychologist

BBQ Hunter

XS650 Guru

got muscles in his head that ain't never been used

If not now, When?

Similar threads