Starting probs

[Winso]

Sometimes when starting up, either from warm or cold, I turn the ignition and just get a sort of 'whirrring' noise and the engine doesnt turn over. Usually this only happens once before it starts normally. Any ideas - starter motor, battery, something else even more expensive?
Cheers!

[adyh]

Sounds like the starter motor to me . Check its engaging .

[EvilScotsman]

Its not very likely wi a modern pre-engagement starter but the sliding fork could be jamming and the solenoid is running the motor anyway.

The solenoid is an electro-magnetic bolt, that pushes the engagement gear into contact wi the flywheel ring gear then starts the (starter) motor. It shouldn't start the motor till the gear is engaged but some do.

Take off the starter and spray wd40, or spray-grease into the front end and any other bits you can get at (don't get any on the brush plate inside the thick end or the starter won't work at all :O( - just lube the mechanical sliding bits not the electrical parts...

[boneybradley]

Or if you need a starter I have a spare one....It's not new but i am sure we can come to a deal......