Binding issues

[Jamesbb0]

I have a Johnny yy250t I think with the vertical engine is that the cf moto one. Bought it thinking it was seized up wont crank over starters good. Pulled right case cover off and starter gear and starter spins freely put the gear back on without the cover and engine spins fine. When I put the cover on and tighten it down the engine goes back to not spinning but if I back the screws out a bit then it cranks fine. ???

[Shadowfire]

Well, to state the obvious, when you cranks down the cover, something is out of alignment.

The crank covers usually have two dowel pins which ensure that the cover and crank are aligned when you bolt the cover down. Were these still present? It sounds like they are missing and you are just using the bolts to align the cover.

[Jamesbb0]

No they are both in there still everything is straight no gaps it seems when could be pressing on the starter gear where that pulley shaft goes in the case side no washers just the gear.

[sc00ter]

I was helping a friend fix a tired Honda Met (helping a cheapskate thread) and every time we put the reduction box cover back on a tightened it, it would bind. Loosen it up and it spun, just not correct. Ended up being a hairline crack in the cover. I NEVER would have found it, a tech at our local Honda dealership just happened to notice it. So, look for hairline cracks in the cover.

[Jamesbb0]

Hummmm have to look at that better not be only have that one cover lol and might not be common to find