starting issue, just clicks

Hi,
I have an intermittant issue with the starting of my s1 that has a s3 2.25 fitted. When I press the starter I get a clicking from the solenoid but no start. Even putting a screwdriver across the terminals doesn't do anything.
It started fine an hour ago and now nowt- any ideas?
Cheers for looking.
Toby

is that an inertia one?

Really useful to know if it's a petrol or diesel 'cos the starters are different. Petrols usually have a separate starter and solenoid with a Bendix type engagement, diesels (and V8s) have a pre engage starter where the solenoid is built into the starter and also engages the starter cog with the flywheel ring gear.

Sorry petrol.
A knock on the starter seemed to work. New starter?

Might be worth slackening and tightening the bolts holding it on in case a bit of corrosion has affected the earth connection. Also remove, clean and replace the live wire on the starter. If that doesn't work pop it off and take off the cover and check to see if the brushes move freely and aren't worn down - they can be replaced. If they look OK look at the commutator (the coppery segmented bit) If it's badly scored, heavily corroded or burnt then you probably need a new starter.

oxides said:

Might be worth slackening and tightening the bolts holding it on in case a bit of corrosion has affected the earth connection. Also remove, clean and replace the live wire on the starter. If that doesn't work pop it off and take off the cover and check to see if the brushes move freely and aren't worn down - they can be replaced. If they look OK look at the commutator (the coppery segmented bit) If it's badly scored, heavily corroded or burnt then you probably need a new starter.

Click to expand...

Will do all those things. Will fit a new earth strap as the current one is a little dog eared. Battery terminal cables and solenoid are new.

Prob needs the spiral drive cleaning under the bendix.

Depends, if it's just clicking the motor isn't turning so the bendix won't have a chance to engage. If the starter motor is whirring it's a bendix issue.

I'd go with the brushes. As you have a separate solenoid the tap on the starter will only affect the brushes contact on the armature face.

From memory, and its a long while ago, the old inertia starters have four small screws holding the back plate on. Pop it off..... If they are dirty just give a clean and remove the crud, if they are worn down you need to unbolt the red brush set(on the backplate), mind you don't loose the insulators, to change. The black set that go to the windings need to be un-soldered and a new set soldered back.

Not too bad a job to do. As also stated, whilst its off clean the pinion but don't smear it with grease as all it will do is act as a magnet for crap then jam up! Worth giving the armature a clean up too and removing any crud gathered in the undercuts between the copper segments.... you will understand what I mean when its in bits......

Adie