Starter fail?

[denny]

Thought it be easier to post a short clip to demonstrate the problem. This was happening intermittently over the past 6 months and aside from three long trips totally 10k km I've rarely used the big girl. It has however started to happen every ride now when the motor is cold. She'll fire up immediately when warm. The battery (original bmw gel) is just over 2 years old; I've removed and taken it indoors during winter. I hooked it to the optimate overnight but the problem was still there. Next removed starter motor, everything looks ok, magnets in place, cleaned etc....problem still there. What could the problem be? Oh, and the feckin' top bolt holder the motor on sheared the threads in the housing and is not tightening

hints for a solution re sheared threads welcome also

 

[Comfy Old Boots]

You could possibly put a helicoil insert in to fix the threads? Not that difficult if you have the tools.

 

[fatnfast]

As smelly old boot says, helicoil should sort the thread (as long as you can get the drill in the area). Still sounds like an actual starter motor issue, although it wouldn't hurt to have a peek at the flywheel teeth to make sure they are not damaged.

 

[denny]

Heard of heli colis, never knew what they were until now, just the job hopefully drill will fit!

Any ideas re starter glitch? Flywheel teeth looked fine...fires up immediately when warm.

 

[grez]

Mine did the same in Bulgaria. Friend took it apart and re-greased the fork they slid the starter onto the flywheel (not a mechanic so hope that made sence) and now it's fine.

 

[typan]

I had a starter solenoid problem, although yours sounds like it's spinning but not engaging. I suppose I could have fixed mine, but for piece of mind I bought a new starter, and was a good price from this seller. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181401450781

 

[ian6760]

Denny.

That sounds like the the drive cog assembly is sticking to me. I'd take the plunger out of the solenoid and give it a good clean. Also give the drive cog a good blast with brake dust cleaner and a light smear of grease after the clean.