Bendix not engaging when engine is warm

[thebandit1980]

Basically what it says in the title... I have a 96 xp and it starts easily when cold. After riding a while the Bendix won't engage but I can hear the starter spinning. When it's had 45 minutes to an hour to cool, it will start right up.
The battery is brand new and started it fine even before I topped it off after installing it.
The symptoms are the same with the old and new battery.
Also have a 97 spx which kind of does the same thing, but usually it starts after a few tries.
Most searches I read prior to posting indicated the battery was bad, but that doesn't appear to be the problem. It kinda has me stumped and I'd like to get advise before I start throwing any more parts at them...
New to the forum... Thanks for any replies!

 

[Bills86e]

I'd suggest a Starter rebuild, and cut the battery cable lugs off and solder on new ones, shrink wrap these.

 

[thebandit1980]

Thanks for the reply. Yesterday was probably the end of the season here. The lakes will drop rapidly now. I think during the off-season I'll try a starter rebuild and replace the cables and solenoid. Hopefully in the spring I'll be met with success...

 

[mikidymac]

If the starter is spinning but the Bendix won't engage then I would just get a good used Bendix from Minnetonka4me. If the bendix is actually bad rebuilding the starter will not fix it, they need to be replaced.
Do Not buy an aftermarket starter as all of them are junk.

 

[thebandit1980]

I just wonder why it only happens after riding a while... It always starts fine when it's had time to cool off. I thought about lithium grease or something on the bendix.