Starter Motor Issues

[betabuoy]

Took the Coupe out for a Christmas Day blast but with a fully charged battery the starter was very sluggish not just at first start but also when warm; sometimes I just get a click from the solenoid.
Mine's had this issue for years and I've now got a collection of about three other starter motors in the garage from secondhand replacements.  The wiring is clean with a good earth.
Is there something else I should check before I go for another replacement?
Can anyone recommend a company for a decent reconditioning service?

Festive regards

Chris

[MattNoVAT]

I would have one reconned, I had two done before I left the UK.  Sounds like it's bendix drive has worn and the solenoid iffy is - I'll have a look if the address of the company who did mine is still on the box. (It was 2+ years ago)


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[rossocorsa]

I used to carry a metal rod and a big hammer in the boot for moments of starter crisis! I think the only answer us to refurbish, I always found they are at their worst when somewhere midway between cold and fully hot.

[gengis]

Could be a bad battery...get a jump start, with decent leads.  That should tell you if the existing battery has the cranking capacity...cold weather kills suspect batteries.

[betabuoy]

Thanks so far. Battery is strong so it sounds like a recon is the next step. Standing by to hear of any recommended fixers.

[Neil-yaj396]

You're in Yorkshire I think? Autoelectro on Leeds Road in Bradford are OK.

[lukasdeopalenica]

I was about to refurbish the starter motor with the same symptoms, but the reason was a weak battery. A new one with high starting amp rate solve the issue at all.
Before you start removing the starter check the voltage at the supplying lead (red ) to the coil. Often the voltage is just too low to engage the bendix due to poor condition of the ignition switch. The remedy may be supplying the voltage through an additional relay directly from the battery and not through the ignition switch.

[peteracs]

Hi Chris

I am with Lukas on this, make sure you check the voltage at the starter motor as there may be a loss on the way. Not checked it myself, but does the supply really go via the ignition switch? Sounds poor design, would suggest a relay makes real sense long term. As well as poor voltage potential at the motor, also has good potential for burning the switch out.

Peter

[Neil-yaj396]

Hi Chris

I am with Lukas on this, make sure you check the voltage at the starter motor as there may be a loss on the way. Not checked it myself, but does the supply really go via the ignition switch? Sounds poor design, would suggest a relay makes real sense long term. As well as poor voltage potential at the motor, also has good potential for burning the switch out.

Peter

The full power doesn't go via the ignition switch, it goes via the solenoid, which is triggered by the switch. The solenoid is a sort of pre-electronic relay.

Never the less, it is worth checking that you are getting a full 12 volts at the solenoid. Be careful though, the full ampage of the battery should be there too!

[betabuoy]

Spent a bit of time with the test meter this morning and I'm happy that all of the appropriate voltages are there. I'll commit to getting one of my spare starter motors reconditioned and report back when complete.
Thanks for the inputs chaps and all the best for 2015.
Chris

[Neil-yaj396]

You're in Yorkshire I think? Autoelectro on Leeds Road in Bradford are OK.

Chris

I'd forgotten that you are really at the opposite end of Yorkshire. I'm sure there will be someone decent around Teeside though.

Neil

[betabuoy]

Morning Chaps,

I thought I'd done a reasonable job of reconditioning one of the spare stater motors but, now fitted, whilst it turns beautifully it regularly fails to engage/remain engaged so I'm left with a spinning starter.

I understand that the pinion actuating lever is moved by the solenoid but why should it 'let go'?

Bottom line, will replacement of the solenoid on this motor fix the problem?

Chris

[lukasdeopalenica]

The coil is also acting as a contactor supplying the starter motor with electric power. The symptoms you mentioned suggest that the coil (6) itself is working properly, therefore I would suspect bendix (2) (the engaging element). Maybe it does need just cleaning and lubricating.  

[betabuoy]

Lucas

Thank you for your thoughts and Bendix theory. I took it all apart again but found all appeared to be free to move so it was difficult to know what to do next.

Having not traced the fault with that starter, I went back to my original unit (which often tended to 'click' but not turn over) and spent some time cleaning the commutator and brushes with petrol. It's fair to say that it was filthy to start and delightfully shiney when finished. Without long nose pliers to hand, there was a fair amount of swearing refitting the brushes against those fiddly springs but I'm pleased to say it works perfectly... for now!

I'm out in it tomorrow morning so fingers crossed for some consistency.

Chris