Yesterday, my '04 GT125L cut out in traffic (I suspected a dodgy Kill switch for the cutout and mention that only in case it's relevant). When I tried to restart it, I had a 'whirring' starter motor which sounded like the bendix wasn't engaging with the variator cogs. I had to be recovered home.
Today, I opened the engine casing expecting a stuck bendix i.e. that wasn't moving forward to engage with the variator cogs. But I actually found a) the bendix engaged with the variator (see pic) but b) I was able to remove the bendix easily and it seems perfectly free and working as it should.
My question is whether the bendix should be found engaged like -should it not be retracted and should it not "come forward" and engage only when the starter button is pressed?
My other question is of course why the starter 'whirred' - as if it was NOT under load - even though the bendix is found to be engaged when I open the casing? (Lights dimmed a bit too when this whirring was happening - Battery is OK - I also tried a spare battery that is known to be good. The engine did not seem to turn over during all the whirring
I suppose I better replace both bendix and starter anyway, but I'm wondering what to make of the conflicting pieces of evidence! Could it be something else other than the bendix or the starter motor itself……?
Thanks
