Sprag diode

[Cuz]

Hi, was looking at an Mz diode on ebay a month or so ago and wondered if anybody new where to get the diode and if they are worth fitting The seller said it fitted onto the starter solenoid and stopped residual current causing whip to the sprag when the kill button is pressed. Is this right? should I be fitting one?

Cheers

Cuz

[MZCountryRider]

I don't understand how it would help really. Just use the compression release to shut the engine off.

[DAVID THOMPSON]

i think is a replacement for what's in there already
and its more to do with radio interference from the bike to tv and radio signals
dave
and bike should always be killed with the compression release ..then key turned off

[davegsm82]

I can't see the point in this really, is the 500 engine prone to kicking back when it's shut down without using the decompression lever?

The only place I can think that the diode goes is across the starter, this would make the starter motor stop very abruptly as soon as you let go of the start button, instead of winding down slowly under its own momentum. Also, if the engine was to kick back (i.e. if it didn't have enough momentum to get over the next compression cycle as it is shutting down) then the starter would act as a sort of brake.

I can't see how this would be beneficial to the clutch but then again, my 500 doesn't have an electric start... yet... oh if only I could find the sprag and gears :'(

Dave.

[DAVID THOMPSON]

the starter acting as a brake if the motor runs backwards is the problem
on the rotax and 125cc bikes and several other bikes
about a 200 plus usd problem $$$$ every time it happens
i have spent more money because of this than i have spent on tires in the last 12 years
dave

[davegsm82]

David, What exactly happens? Does something break? surely it can't be an inherant design flaw, seeing that this engine is used in so many different things.

I've managed to procure the parts to make mine electric start, so I wan't to know what I should avoid doing with it once it's running!

Dave.

[DAVID THOMPSON]

always shut it off with compression release if it has one
lots of nice fresh oil in motor always

try not to run bike backwards and let the clutch out in gear ..
this puts it under a big strain
this is used in lots of bikes because it does not take lots of power to run it
like the starter on say a mid 1970's bmw

when the motor runs it is wareing
its one of those GOOD BUT BAD IDEAS about how to start a bike
dave