Diagnosis please?

[k_enn]

OK, It definitely is the starter, not the battery or the cable.

It looks like I need to replace the unit, as part of case has broken apart:






Well, I believe this is the right unit to buy:

http://www.euromotoelectrics.com/BMW_R_Airhead_VALEO_Starter_9_T_12_41_9_062_425_p/bmw-val1.htm


The big question --- How you get the old one out.  See image:



It appears to be a 13mm nut that holds it in, and I can get a socket on it, but the ratchet head is too big to get  in there.  Also, I can't get at it with a universal joint on the socket.  And there is not enough clearance to get an open end wrench or a box wrench on it.  For those of you that have done this, how do get enough wrench on it?

k_enn

[Bob_Roller]

Do you have a 1/4 th inch drive 'breaker bar' and a 13 mm socket ?

I have removed three starters, but I don't really remember having any real issues with removing or installing the two bolts .

If you have a starter/ generator/ alternator repair shop in your area, may want to check to see if they have any parts locally .

These were fairly common starters, I'm not sure if there are any unique parts for BMW motorcycle applications or not .

[k_enn]

Got you on the 1/4 drive breaker bar

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00943523000P?prdNo=14&blockNo=364&blockType=G364

I did not know that the made them in 1/4 drive, but that should do the trick.

k_enn

[tvrla]

I'll second what Bob said - these things aren't rocket science - far from it! They are rebuildable, and usually it's either bushings or brushes. And in your case, replacing the nose section.

A quarter inch breaker will get in there nicely. Also, there's a triangular mount on the forward side of the starter which will require pulling the front cover, to access the fastener just to the right of the diode board.

[k_enn]

Thanks to the advice here, it is back up and running.  It starts like a charm.

The 1/4 drive breaker bar worked great - don't know how else I would have done it.  Due to the age of the original, I decided to replace the factory Bosch with a new Valeo.  Not only was the case by the solenoid broken, but when I pulled the old starter out a bunch of copper shavings poured out.  Rather than tear into it, see what I needed, locate the parts (assuming they are available -- I could not even find that case part that broke), order and get them, and rebuild the starter, what little is left of the riding season in NJ would be gone.  The replacement was a breeze, and the Valeo does not even have or need that bracket at the rear of the Bosch.  

k_enn