Dragging starter
 

MY 85 GS has a warm start issue. The starter does not quickly disengage after letting go of the key. Works perfect when cold, but subsequent starts it drags. Battery and starter test OK, all new cables and grounds. There is what looks like a fusible link coming off the starter and not sure what it is and don't know if that could have a bad connection. Thanks

sticky engagement gear on the starter most likely.

That's what I thought, but when I bench tested, it retracted immediately.

I would tend to agree with mister , a starter drive never reacts the same on a bench test as they do under load or The solenoid could also be the culprit many times I have found that the solenoid works fine when cold but when wore the plunger can expand a bit especially if the starter is exposed to much heat and stick in for a bit before working loose . One other thing that I have found from time to time is that the actual ignition (( down on the steering column )) can stick a bit and take a little time before returning to the run position . to check this ,,, instead of just letting go of the key and letting it self return to the run position , physically turn the key back to the run position and see if it helps , you might even try to start the engine then turn off and quickly turn back on ( before the engine quits )to the run position . wont cost nothing to check these things just a bit of time ,, if you get negative results there must be a feed back to the starter somehow .

Thanks, I'll try this today and see results. Solenoids are pretty cheap as well. It's only a year old, and sometimes starters are bad from the get go.

If you checking solenoid check plunger spring and make sure it is ok .good luck .