R90S - starter motor, intermittent engagement

[tiktok]

Whilst I have the tank off and am going through my newly acquired R90S (1976/80k miles), I wanted to ask for an opinion on the starter motor.

There is an issue, in that the starter motor does not always engage (maybe 1/3 of the time). For clarity - the motor spins, but the engine does not turn.

Obviously this will need addressing, but I wanted to ask: is it better to repair or replace the starter motor?

There is a place in SE London who can rebuild the starter, but unless original items are particularly valuable, I'm not sure it isn't easier to buy a replacement, once you factor in shipping and repair costs.

Thoughts?

 

[Bubb]

Nissan denso starter …… lighter than the original, and better made.

 

[tiktok]

Nissan denso starter …… lighter than the original, and better made.

Cheers - I'm sure they are good, but at nearly £400 they are a bit punchy.

 

[Wapping]

is it better to repair or replace the starter motor?

You say the starter motor spins, but fails to engage one time in three.

On the one in three times, does the starter motor spin, but simply fail to turn the motor over? If yes, then why replace the starter motor, as the problem maybe lies elsewhere.

BMW 1600’s had a similar problem, which was caused by the sprag clutch. The starter motor was fine.

 

[tiktok]

You say the starter motor spins, but fails to engage one time in three.

On the one in three times, does the starter motor spin, but simply fail to turn the motor over? If yes, then why replace the starter motor, as the problem maybe lies elsewhere.

BMW 1600’s had a similar problem, which was caused by the sprag clutch. The starter motor was fine.

I suspect any issues will likely lie within the starter motor assembly, given what I understand of the design and the use of a Bendix gear. Happy to be corrected.


I could strip down the starter, replace the brushes, Bendix gear, overhaul etc - but is it worth it?

 

[Wapping]

Forgive me, different mechanism.

 

[DrFarkoff]

@tiktok just remove the starter and get it serviced


Or just Buy a later Valeo type get the pinion changed to 8 tooth if required usually the starters come with 9 tooth but earlier Heavy flywheel Airheads usually had an 8 tooth

 

[theoneandonly]

i'll do you a favour ,
to save what little hair you have ,
i'll come down next week with the trailer ,
and take it away , £ 1000 enough ?

 

[tiktok]

i'll do you a favour ,
to save what little hair you have ,
i'll come down next week with the trailer ,
and take it away , £ 1000 enough ?

I think you meant to type a larger number in there...

Why don't you come down and help me get it running instead...

 

[mikeyboy]

if the starter is spinning,that would suggest the solenoid is moving and enabling the high current contacts to connect.
This would also suggest that the drive gear is moving to engage on the ring gear.
So I think the ring gear needs to be checked first.
If the ring gear is ok ,the starter clutch and actuator fork need looking at.
Hopefully the ring gear is ok as early flywheels can be hard to come by.

 

[theoneandonly]

I think you meant to type a larger number in there...

Why don't you come down and help me get it running instead...

nope that was a big enough number .
if you really are up shit creek , i'm going to Ramsgate on , i think the 12/13th Sept.
( i'll bring cash !)

 

[tiktok]

nope that was a big enough number .
if you really are up shit creek , i'm going to Ramsgate on , i think the 12/13th Sept.
( i'll bring cash !)

I’ll keep you posted. All the best.

 

[Gelandestrasse]

As Mikeyboy says, have a look at the starter motor. Take it off and judge how corroded the components are that engage with the flywheel. And check the flywheel teeth for excessive wear. A photo posted here (if you can) can let others help you judge the flywheel teeth.

 

[tiktok]

if the starter is spinning,that would suggest the solenoid is moving and enabling the high current contacts to connect.
This would also suggest that the drive gear is moving to engage on the ring gear.
So I think the ring gear needs to be checked first.
If the ring gear is ok ,the starter clutch and actuator fork need looking at.
Hopefully the ring gear is ok as early flywheels can be hard to come by.

Much appreciated.

 

[tiktok]

if the starter is spinning,that would suggest the solenoid is moving and enabling the high current contacts to connect.
This would also suggest that the drive gear is moving to engage on the ring gear.
So I think the ring gear needs to be checked first.
If the ring gear is ok ,the starter clutch and actuator fork need looking at.
Hopefully the ring gear is ok as early flywheels can be hard to come by.

I was able to capture some footage of the ring gear and the drive gear. I would appreciate a second opinion on what an "acceptable" level of wear looks like and if either must be replaced. Thanks.