Starter motor :(

[spy]

Since a recent dunking in some deep muddy water my starter motor is dead, just screams.  

Now I did have my wading plug in but I assume its still full of scum!  Just wondered if anyone thought I was likely to cure it by taking it off and cleaning it or is it time for a new one?

[spy]

Good beating with a hammer and it just started 5 times in a row!  Think thats another fault I can ignore for a while ;) :D

[ian_s]

when in doubt, HIT IT!!
if at first you dont succeed, try a bigger hammer!

[Wingnut]

Sounds like you need to regrease the return spring and spindle. Mine does the same sometimes because the lump of metal thats supposed to fly down the spindle gets stuck at one end and the spring can't push it back (I think thats how it works). Taking it off and adding some grease should sort it out.

[spy]

Grease it is then, unfortunately short of engine and gearbox the starter is about the most expensive bit to go wrong :(

Buying a new one would put me even further away from my parabolic springs!

[hobbit]

Trouble with grease it attracts mud and sticky stuff, make sure there is no crud in the other end of the starter (the bushes area).

I personally prefer to clean it up with spray oil and leave it dry

ALso do you have a plug in the bell housing?

[ukmudmaster]

Buy a cheap S/H unit off eBay and rotate them as they clap out!