1972 petrol starter motor

I've started returning a series 3 109 petrol to road worthy condition after it has been stood for a number of years.
Intially the starter motor was seized so I removed it, cleanded it wd40 and got it spinning on the bench, however when i refit it to the engine the starter spins over but does not turn the engine. I know its something to do with the bendix but can't remember how to test/fix it.

Any idea welcome.

Thanks

it should fly out to engage when it spins under power, if it dunt do that it's needs un-seizing

The little cog mover up and down the helix ok by hand, what moves it when it spins?

by centrifugal force it spins out to the end to engage with the ring gear on the flywheel, once started (and without power from the key being turned in the ignition) it returns to keep clear of the ringgear.

Just thinking about it, I'm using a 30 amp battery boost/charger I wonder if it's not man enough for the job?

War Pig said:

Just thinking about it, I'm using a 30 amp battery boost/charger I wonder if it's not man enough for the job?

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true, it may not get it up to speed

Thanks, I'll try a man size battery tomorrw!

clamp the starter in a vice......it'll fly out summat fearful if you haven't got a grip on it
good luck

Had to wait till today to try a big battery, but needless to say it did the trick! as a bonus I also had oil pressure.

Does anyone know where the starter solenoid is supposed to be mounted, mine is just hanging mid air down the side of the air intake?

thanks

some are bolted to the bulkhead and some are bolted to the battery tray or close by, it all depends on how long the battery/starter motor leads are as to where you put it

War Pig said:

Had to wait till today to try a big battery, but needless to say it did the trick! as a bonus I also had oil pressure.

Does anyone know where the starter solenoid is supposed to be mounted, mine is just hanging mid air down the side of the air intake?

thanks

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I have a 72 petrol S3. Mines bolted in a bracket, which as I remember earths the solenoid. My starter wouldn't turn over with the solenoid clamped in position, had to replace the solenoid last year and made the mistake of leaving it dangling :doh: