Sticking Starter 82 XJ650

[kik]

HI,
Can anyone tell me what the problem may be with the starter on my 82 XJ650 Maxim? Cold starts it works fine but after the engine is warm it won't spin over unless you take something and tap the starter housing. It only takes a very light tap to get it to work. I pulled the starter it had oil in it. and all kinds of dust from the brushes. I cleaned it all up. I didn't change the brushes though because I still had 1/2 " - 5/8" brush left on each side. I figured they were good. I haven't the slightest idea where the oil is coming from. The gasket on the mounting flange looks good. It isn't nicked or anything. Any input is appreciated. Thanks.
Kik

[JimR]

Originally Posted by kik

HI,
Can anyone tell me what the problem may be with the starter on my 82 XJ650 Maxim? Cold starts it works fine but after the engine is warm it won't spin over unless you take something and tap the starter housing. It only takes a very light tap to get it to work. I pulled the starter it had oil in it. and all kinds of dust from the brushes. I cleaned it all up. I didn't change the brushes though because I still had 1/2 " - 5/8" brush left on each side. I figured they were good. I haven't the slightest idea where the oil is coming from. The gasket on the mounting flange looks good. It isn't nicked or anything. Any input is appreciated. Thanks.
Kik

You need to clean the segments and remove the carbon deposits within the starter motor ?

[kik]

I dismantled the starter motor already. Cleaned all the brush dust and deposits out. It didn't seem to help. I'm thinking the oil getting into the started may have something to do with it. Any idea why or how oil is seeping into the starter??

[JimR]

Originally Posted by kik

I dismantled the starter motor already. Cleaned all the brush dust and deposits out. It didn't seem to help. I'm thinking the oil getting into the started may have something to do with it. Any idea why or how oil is seeping into the starter??

Ok if the o ring or seal on the face of the starter are damaged oil will enter from the engine ... if this is happening I would guess the hole starter motor is trashed

[kik]

I took the starter apart again. The brushed had chips (Knicks) in them. I ran to the local starter alternator rebuilder in town and bought a couple of brushes. $4 each. Heck of a lot cheaper than buying online or from Yamaha that's for sure. I replaced the brushes and it's spinning over like new. I'll pull the starter in a week or two to see if oil is still getting in, if it is, I know where to but the orings for about $0.20 each.
Thanks for the advice and help.
Much appreciated.