Starter problem - spins but doesn't crank, worse when hot

I picked up another XJ project last night (thread here: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/p=4 ... tml#422521 ).

First thing on the agenda is this starter issue.

Just like the title says - the starter doesn't always want to engage (or disengage?). It's spins but doesn't crank. The PO said it only does it after the engine warms up but it was already warm when I got there so I'm not 100% sure on that. It was just kind of randomly working or not working when I was checking out the bike.

 

Re: Starter problem - spins but doesn't crank, worse when ho

Been using that fancy "search" function. :lol:

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=4 ... ngage.html

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=4 ... ngage.html

My new favorite quote from Bigfitz52: "Sometimes the starter may not want to be pulled out all that easily; some Japanese profanity may be required." :lol:

So.. I'm gonna do an oil change to make sure we got the right stuff in there and check valve clearances and the battery, and just cross my fingers that the starter clutch isn't bad.

The bike reads just over 15K on the odo so I'd be surprised if that starter clutch is junked already...