Starter Motor Noise

[Setzer]

My starter motor has started making a squealing sound when i start my engine.It only lasts for about a second,just when i take my thumb off the button after the engine has started.

Would any of you guys have any idea what this might be?

Thanks in advance,

Dave............

 

[Tarka]

It`s often just a sign that your battery charge is a bit low....

It can be more than that,though...dirty/worn contacts on the handlebar switch,or at the solenoid...perhaps even commutator or brush problems....

Does it do it all the time ??

 

[Droopy Dick]

It's been happening to mine for some time, albeit intermittently.

My BMW trained repair monkey heard it and told me not to worry about it, 'cos lots of them do it.

I was wondering if it was the little gear thing that engages the starter ring that was being a tad slow to spring back where it started.

 

[Setzer]

Starter Motor Problem

Hi Tarka,
Thanks very much for the reply.

It is happening every time i start the bike.
The bike was dirty beyond belief,so it got a really good blasting with a power hose,and has been happening ever since.

Any ideas on what i could do to remedy the problem would help greatly.

Dave...........

 

[Tarka]

You don`t say what bike or type of starter motor you have,but assuming it`s a 'Bendix' type ,I`d be inclined to remove the starter motor and check the sliding/rotating engagement gear for freedom of movement (freeing off and lubing where needed).
Also,I`d check the commutator and brushes while it`s off.
Additionally,check all connectors and contacts relating to the starter circuit .

 

[Setzer]

Starter Motor Problem

The bike is a 2001 year 1150.

As for starter motor type,i have no idea at all,as i have never looked.

Dave.........

 

[cookie]

if it's a Valeo similar to airhead units, it's a precursor to total starter motor failure IMLE.

 

[Steptoe]

Take it off, and clean it out with carb/clutch cleaner. Then douse it in WD40

Result = quiet motor

 

[Paul Young]

I had some probs with my starter & decided to take it out & strip it down for cleaning/lubing. It's a 2000 1150GS & I found that the solenoid was virtually dry. The grease had dried into a sticky mess so I cleaned it, relubed everything & put it back together. It was a doddle & works perfectly now so, in short, don't be afraid to take it apart.

 

[Setzer]

Starter Motor Problem

Thanks everyone for all your help.

The starter just needed a bit of oil.

I tried spraying some into the small gap at the top of the mounting plate,just in case it would save me having to remove the starter and stripping it,and to my great joy it worked!

Dave..........