Starter switch stuck on for 4 minutes while running - Bike no start, battery load tests good

[CAB83]

I am assuming that the starter is toast I just haven't been able to take it out and test it yet since I am at work. Wondering what else I need to be concerned with

 

Long version - Started the bike at full choke let it run for about 3 minutes, dropped the choke and went back inside and a minute later heard the bike stop running, no catastrophic noise from it. Went to go start the bike again and found that the starter button never released and left the starter engaged, starter was smoking hot (literally smoking yes) 

 

My obvious concern is for the starter I am assuming that it is completely dead, my other concerns are for the fly wheel though, how likely is it that the flywheel is fucked as well? Is there anything else I need to be worrying about for this?

[CAB83]

Forgot to add - Its an '85 VF750F

[airwalk]

Try starting with a working starter motor, yours is likely no longer functional. If it doesn’t work as usual the clutch case/ cover will have to be removed so the starter clutch & associated gear(s)can be inspected, these motors don’t really have a “flywheel” in the usual automotive sense.

[CAB83]

Yea I have been looking at the diagrams from the service manual which has me optimistic - My landlord was taking a look at the bike (I am at work now) and says that it is actually turning over when he jumps the starter right now so I am optimistic that the starter itself may be okay as well... He didn't have the key so I don't know if it is just going to start right away or not, hoping that somehow I get really lucky and I don't need to go find a new starter for it (Inconveniently disco'ed by Honda of course)

 

If the bike doesn't start when I get home but I get good crank from jumping the starter I am going to assume that it would be the starter relay that actually burned out - What has me somewhat hopeful is that there is that 30A fuse in the starter relay and I am hoping that it blew that fuse and I can just replace that and get it going - Will try to remember to update the post as I work on it

[Terry]

I think the only concern would be the starter motor's wiring and windings and the starter solenoid; they are not intended for continual use so would be exposed to a lot more electrical heating than expected. If they haven't melted or burned then you may well be fine. I guess your battery eventually ran out of the current needed to keep the starter spinning which would also have shut down the ignition system (like a battery going flat when the charging system is kaputt). The starter likely kept running either due to the starter button being stuck on, or the starter solenoid welding itself on.

 

At idle speed or above, the engine would be spinning faster than the starter could manage which would disengage the starter clutch, so the starter motor would only be driving itself and some free-wheeling gears inside the cases (which are in oil). I doubt you could do any internal gear damage.

[CAB83]

Turns out the bike is totally fine, let the starter cooldown charge the battery and it started no problem 

 

I'm surprised to say the least that the starter is functional 

[airwalk]

You’re sure to have luck of some kind, as it happens not always bad. After getting smoking hot that starter must be 1 in 10,000 for durable quality!😅