Starter Question of the Day

[SUABBYM6]

Sometimes the starter motor turns but fails to engage the flywheel. What is actually failing? And, is 30 years of good service enough for this starter?

[Bert Poliakoff]

Sounds like, if there is one, the Bendix drive is shot. This is what moves the gear on the starter to the flywheel so the teeth will engage

[dcains]

Here's how to R&R the starter on an M30:

http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=100967

[MIKYZZ4]

Also a possibility of chipped and broken, missing flywheel gear-teeth.
Can be easily confirmed once starter is removed.

[RSheiman]

If you are going to remove it, replace it with an sr441x, smaller, lighter, higher voltage....so if you ever need to replace it again, it will be easier (though from the sound of it, replacement will be done by whoever you leave the car to in your will).

[SUABBYM6]

Also a possibility of chipped and broken, missing flywheel gear-teeth.
Can be easily confirmed once starter is removed.

Gee, that sounds like loads of fun. I'll give it a good look and hope for the best.

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks to you all for the info.

[1986series6]

Hey Ron how goes it?

The lube in the solenoid is probably lacking along with the
magnet that pulls the spinning gear into the flywheel.

Make sure your battery is fully charged. A small drop in battery voltage can effect the magnet pull,

especially going thru the crazy starting circuit that BMW used in those days.

Good luck.

Just a heads up-- the my e28 instructions is for an M30 engine, not yours.

[e24mpwr]

I'm probably going to replace the one in my M6 with an E34 unit. Need to start getting the car together...

[SUABBYM6]

Hey Ron how goes it?

The lube in the solenoid is probably lacking along with the
magnet that pulls the spinning gear into the flywheel.

Make sure your battery is fully charged. A small drop in battery voltage can effect the magnet pull,

especially going thru the crazy starting circuit that BMW used in those days.

Good luck.

Just a heads up-- the my e28 instructions is for an M30 engine, not yours.

I'm doing OK, surviving the winter, I hope you are well Bob. The charge on the battery is good and I did look at the E28 post. I have had the intake plenum off for other reasons so I'm good to go in that regard.

[1986series6]

Alright, half the job done.

See ya @ "Idiotfest" 2017