Starter lube?

[Jschara]

I recently remover my starter on my 1979 R65 to replace the battery cable and line from starter to the diode board.  My question is should the shaft that the pinion gear slides on be lubed?  And if so, what type of oil, grease should be used.

Thanks,
Jim

[Bob_Roller]

A light grease, don't use too much, it will just make a mess in the area if you do .
You've got a 40 year old starter, most likely all the lubrication in the starter is gone .
Don't know your capabilities, but if you can get oil at each end of the starter shaft bearings, they are a sintered type, granulated brass material that is pressed into a bearing, some engine oil or similar oil will help out .
Oil will be absorbed into the bearing material .

[Jschara]

Thanks Bob,

Jim