1990 R100GSPD with a noisy starter. It works fine, but as the engine starts and the Bendix disengages from the flywheel, it makes an awful noise like it needs a lube badly. Is this something that can be done without risking lube getting on the clutch plates? What kind of lube? Is this a sign of impending starter failure? Thank you all in advance.
It is my understanding that the grease in the Bosch starters does tend to solidify over time. This shows up first by making the bendix hard to operate. A little later the starter motor may refuse to even rotate. Continued use will simply burn out the starter motor.
If you'll stop right now and simply re-pack the starter motor bearings , and lubricate all the greased parts with a low viscosity synthetic grease, then the starter will begin to act like a new unit. And since the synthetic grease won't oxidize like the older grease, you'll never have another moment of worry.
When a knowledgeable friend told me this, I rebuilt both my starters and I've never had another moment's trouble from either.
Hope this helps.
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
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