So I tried to start my 2009 850 XP around Christmas time and it was cold here in here in Hell (-40ish), the bike wouldn't roll over at all however the starter would engage, just not spin. So I pushed it into the garage and let it thaw out for a day, once it was warmed up it started right up, then I discovered there was oil leaking out of the starter. I plowed my driveway for a few minutes and noticed the oil was leaking faster and faster as I went on.

I took the starter off and took it to the local motor/starter shop, the guy said it was in great shape and couldn't find a problem with it, so I took it home and reinstalled it, and of course it is still leaking oil...


Anyone have any idea's?????

 

Is oil coming out of the recoil also? if coming out of recoil also then he crank seal on that side could have got damage for the cold weather,If oil isnt coming out recoil then IMO the oring on starter nose could be bad.. was oil inside of starter also?

 

There is no re-coil on the 850's, as the engine is in "Sideways". There was some oil inside of the starter, hence the reason it is leaking out.

Im stumped...

 

Crank Seal?

 

Either a seal or if it's leaking externally,the o rings around the starter housing. Dirt Cheap Yamaha, Honda, Arctic Cat & Polaris OEM Parts & Accessories – Cycle Parts Warehouse

 

Its not leaking where the starter mates to the engine, its actually leaking out of the seam in the bottom of the starter. Maybe the starter cracked during the extreme cold starting attempt? I cant understand why oil is blowing into the starter though...

 

OPT, is there an oil seal on the shaft of the starter? Had a bike that the seal started to leak, and it would fill the starter with oil.

 

Im not entirly sure if there is a oil seal on the shaft of the starter, I had the starter inspected by a pro, and he said the starter was is great shape!

Would Oil normally come up past the flywheel and into the starter?

 

Seems if it was a crank seal on the flywheel/stator end though that it would foul out the stator and wouldn't run at all.Didn't have much time on this engine as I retired before any major problems came up other than the crank case vent problems.Got me baffled too..

 

May not work the same as it did on my bike. I too had mine rebuilt by a reputable shop. Still leaked oil into the starter. Finally decided to fix it myself. After a few rebuilds and still leaking, replaced the new seal it had on the shaft. Never leaked again. Guess they don't have a breakdown of the starter itself. Can't really tell about the seal just looking at the pic in the parts diagram.