F650GS 2002 | Crack in starter motor case/housing, cause?

[Warex]

Heya, bought this 2002 F650GS this winter as my first bike and been enjoying every minute of it so far! But I noticed it gradually started getting harder and harder to start, with a lot of grindy mentallic sounds comming from the starter/engine while starting, as well as it taking longer and longer for it to actually fire up!

Now 2 days ago after a long ride, I tried to start up after a stop and I could hear the starter just spinning without turning the engine at all. Then I noticed this crack Anyone got a clue what could cause this? Repairable or get a new starter?



Any help would be greatly appreciated!
- A stranded Norwegian

 

[Santa-2512]

Might have been repairable when the problem first started

Chances are its going to need a donor or spares unit now

 

[Warex]

Might have been repairable when the problem first started

Chances are its going to need a donor or spares unit now

Yeah expecting that much, but any idea what could cause a crack at that location? Gonna open it up later and have a look I think!