Motorcycle Repair: electric startor1972cl450, starter clutch, metric bolts

Question
QUESTION: the electric starter makes a clunking sound when the battery starts to fade. if you put your hand on the starter you can feel something inside clanking. there is also a wheezing sound coming from the engine. the starter drags the battery down very fast. this bike has 17000 miles 0n the engine . any help would be appreciated thank you

ANSWER: Sounds like the starter clutch is worn out.  If you take the flywheel off, you will find three rollers and springs.  Those springs relax and don't have the force to hold the rollers against the sprocket.  You'll need to replace the springs and the metal plungers that cover the ends of the springs and ride against the rollers.

Regards
Rich

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QUESTION: thanks rich for your help. does this repair take any special tools.is this a repair that a rookie vintage bike owner can proform.are parts available ? thank you randy

Answer
The only special tool you will need is a flywheel puller.  The rear axle happens to be the right side tread to do the job but you have to do some extra work to get the axle out.  I'd recommend you take the nut off the axle and take it to a place that sells metric bolts.  If you buy a bolt that fits that nut, you have a ready made puller.

REgards
Rich