Hello Fo's New site looks great, about my starter

[billygoat]

 Hello fellow BMW lovers. I started riding my bicycle to work when gas went to $3.80 so I haven't been here in a while. I parked my bike last November so it's been parked almost 6 months. I have a 1980 model and refurbished the whole bike but I only cleaned the starter and have a persisting problem. The bike started with the first try no problem. It starts in the morning no problem. But if I drive say 10 miles to the store it wont start again. I am really good a the push start thing now but want to fix this. The battery is a AGM and new. I have two and have checked the voltage. I have a trickle charger too so the the battery ain't the problem.
 I was told to replace the bush bearings in the starter. Part numbers 20,21 and 17 in the starter diagram I think. I can hear the relay click and it's new. I also did a continuity test on the wiring so I am sure it the starter now. When it works it works great so I'm going for the re-build. Sorry for the rant but has anyone re-built a Bosch starter? Can you tell me why replacing the bush bearings will fix the problem. It's a B to get to the starter.

Many thanks. BG.

[nhmaf]

I have not rebuilt a Bosch starter, but from what I hear, this is a not uncommon issue.
You might get away with simply taking it apart and given things a good cleaning, and
some light lubrication - sometimes these just get enough buildup of dust and gunk
that when things expand ever so slightly from heating up, it binds up pretty quick.

The Bosch starters are known to turn more slowly and draw more current than the
Valeo starters anyways, though the Valeo's are known to lose their magnets (glued on
rather than mechanically retained like the bosch units).   The Bosch starters
are definitely rebuildable/repairable.

The Nippondesno starters (can be had from Motorrad Elektrik) are the best starters, I think,
but they are very expensive.

[Bob_Roller]

When you say you cleaned the starter, are you saying that you disassembled the starter, cleaned and re-lubricated it, or just cleaned what you could get without disassembling it ?

[mikethebike]

I understand that there are some forklifts with the same starters and they are a fraction of the price of an OEM.  Try an auto electrical specialist on a suitable alternative.

[Melena]

Welome back, BG.  Sorry to hear you are having problems.  At least you have it pinpointed.

I don't have anything to add here.   Just wanted to welcome you back.  I'm sure you'll find good advice here on how to fix it.

[billygoat]

  Hello and thanks for the advise and welcome. I did tear down the starter motor. I see a used one is $260 plus a core charge. :-?Forget that. I will look for another source like forklift suppliers etc. First I will order the new bushes and try another rebuild. I remember the brushes were long in in good condition so maby it's the bushes.
 Hey Melenda! Did you go to the Bunkum ride? I am still working when I have time on a mount for bike computers. I tried a different approach than Will that didn't work out. The arm I made was too long and got bent too easily. I am also working on my fighting robot that got cut up in it's last fight. Do you still use a bike computer on your R45?

Many thanks. BG.

[Justin B.]

You can get a brand new Valeo for well under $200, the one in my '95 is original and has survived over 50k miles...

[billygoat]

  Well so far so good. I rebuilt my Bosch starter. I only cleaned and lubed it, didn't replace the brushes but did replace the bush in the brush cap. I think the problem was lack of grease in the bendix cause it works fine now. I drove 30 miles and it restarted just fine. I did some more testing today and no problems so far. I'll post more pics when I paint my tank. Then I WILL be finished. 8-)
 Thanks Trolle for the carb post. I have my engine running great now! I can almost stand the sound it makes.
 Oh and the kit I mentioned didn't have the correct parts but was a good source for the bendix gear and brushes. It looks like any re-buils kits are no longer made and quickly dissapearing.