Motorcycle Repair: Electric starter, silicone grease, honda 305 dream

Question
Bill

I have a 1966 Honda 305 dream I am restoring to show The engine runs fine and bike rides well. I need some minor engine work. The problem I have is this I can only start it with the Kick starter. The electric starter spin's and the chain spin's and is on the sprocket on the starter motor and sprocket under the cover on the engine.
But it will not turn the engine over at all, just clicks as it spins. Now I have noticed this when the battery is weak (about dead and needs recharging) under that condition, it will turn the engine over but not fast enough to start it up. Then when I recharge the battery it will just spins not turning the engine at all. ( The starter turns and the chain spins and is on the sprocket on the engine. But does not engage something somewhere)

I could use any help you can offer
Thank you for your time sir

John Mitchell
Jacksonville Fl
jm32068@yahoo.com  

Answer
John, the usual causes for electric starter slipping is the three rollers and three springs inside the starter clutch. The springs collapse due to heat and vibration and they are not able to maintain the necessary tension on the rollers in the one-way clutch setup. Fishing out the old spring pieces and cleaning everything is necessary to ensure that the parts are moving smoothly again. Use some light silicone grease on the rollers.

Repair requires removal of the center rotor bolt, then use of a special tool available at most shops to pop the rotor off the end of the crankshaft. Be sure that you remove the woodruff key before removing the inner starter sprocket hub, if you are replacing the seals inside.

I will send a seperate message to you at your email address with some photos of the parts.

Bill Silver