Re: Starter Rebuild (archive)

I had the same problem. I removed the starter from the engine, then tested the starter off of the car. I saw how the starter drive failed to extend forward. SO I proceeded to remove the solenoid piggybacked on the starter (3 phillips bolts). When I removed the solenoid, it was pretty clear that the grease had solified and gunked up the piston against the sleeve. I simply cleaned out the grease by spraying electrical contact cleaner. I then reassembled the solenoid onto the starter and tested it again, with starter off of the car. It definitely made a huge difference. I installed it back on my car and have not had a problem with it since (5 months ago.)

Well worth a try. Price is right.

: : i have an 82 320i, that after every time i drive it the car will not start next time i try start it. It wont usually start until the engine completely cools.The starter motor does not turn but the fuel pump turns on. any help would be greatly appreciated.

:
: Bosch and Bosch type starters have a long history, well back into air-cooled VW days, of having problems with their solenoids beginning to stick when the lubricant inside the mechanism gets aged out. Assuming that you have done the obvious first checks and cleaned all your cables and ALL the ground wires and connections which might be a simpler cause, you can replace the starter with a rebuilt, or you can spend a long afternoon disassembling your starter and relubricating everything with an appropriate high-temperature grease. Don't attempt the latter without adequate tools and manuals, though.

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