starter prob

[possum2082]

i would love a little input from the board:

94vfrf with 25k. bike was great until a month ago.

the starter just cranks with no piston pumping. when i bump start the bike, she runs great. therefore, i've narrowed it down to:

the pinion gear (starter motor armature)
the reduction gear
the starter clutch

i took it apart today, the starter clutch seemed fine. no wear marks. turned one way smoothly, didn't turn the other.

the reduction gear seems fine, no wear on the teeth.

i'm thinking the pinion gear is the prob.


notice the worn edge (the flash hit it making it look a little more dramatic than it is)


notice the rounded splines




this is the biggie...in the circle is a hairline fracture along one of the splines. obviously, that is a prob...but would it cause my symptoms.

if it is the armature, honda doesn't sell it by itself, you have to buy the whole starter.

any input would be much appreciated
cheers