Interesting Starting issues...

[gabriel_gs]

Am seeing Steptoe tomorrow, so will obviously get his opinion too but...

recently bike was struggling to start.

Thought it was old battery so bought a new one.

All was well for a few weeks, but now things have gotten interesting...

Was hearing squeeking from down below (before I got the new battery too). SO I figured it might be the alternator belt slipping/failing and not charging the battery.

however, having heard the squeeking now getting more pronouced, I got my down down near the ground and it seems like the sound is coming from the area around the starter motor, not the alternator.

Also, the last few days, when trying to start the bike I've pressed the starter button and only hear a 'ch-ck!' - The electrics all seem on but the engine doesn't even try to turn over.

After trying a few times it works. Sometimes resetting the clocks, sometimes not.

Anyhoo, I'm seeing Steptoe tomorrow so see what he thinks.

Can't complain that BMW ownership is dull!

 

[Noddy]

Just taking a wild stab at this but I think it may be that your starter motor is fecked.

 

[gabriel_gs]

oh balls... something else to replace.

you know if my luck keeps going like this, I'll have replaced everything and end up with an entirely new bike!

Will let you know what the oracle says.

 

[Tarka]

Just sounds like you need to remove yer starter motor and strip/clean/lube the starter assembly and shaft.

 

[davegs]

Starter moter

Only two bolts sonncomes off it wil be off and back in 40 mins if you stop for a cup of tea half way through!.
dave ( I hate christmas )GS.

 

[Loiq]

brushes stuck on starter motor hit it with a mallett a few times... should fix it.

 

[gabriel_gs]

Would that be causing the constant squeaking/squealing though?

 

[PIGGLET]

Probably, mines been doing it for about 12 months now. I did eventually get round to stripping and cleaning it which sorted it for about a fortnight.
Sometimes it just clicks and whirs as opposed to actually engaging. I Know mines on it's way out.

 

[gabriel_gs]

OK, so, took the bike up to Steptoe before Xmas.

Best we can work out is the noise is coming from behind the starter motor, most likely the pushrod from the clutch slave cylinder (correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. S!).

Only replaced the slave cylinder at the end of October so it shouldn't be knackered, but... looked in the clutch fluid pot and it was all silvery/soiled, so something's grinding away in there -something ain't right

So I was then all poised to bring the bike back for Steptoe to have a proper dig about, when the weather got warmer and the noise disappeared - totally.

THEN...

Took the bike out the other day (cold weather again!) and the noise it well and truly back! Argh!

Me-thinks another visit to Putney!

I'll keep you posted

 

[gabriel_gs]

So, new clutch slave cylinder fitted and the squeak has gone. Old one was only 3 months old. Bloody thing.

Anyhoo, the bike's running great...

... except the the start-up squeaking coming from the front of the engine (assume alternator belt) that's been there for a while

When I can be arsed I'll open it up and have a look see.

Always something

 

[cm246]

Hi Gabriel that squicking sound that was comming from the cluch was it constant? Was it comming from the right hand side of the bike (as you sit on)?
I Have a constant squicking / wistling sound that starts as the engine reaches operationg temperature

Any idea what it might be ?

 

[gabriel_gs]

Yeah, kinda sounds like my clutch slave cylinder problem, but I'm no mechanic so I'd get it checked out.