starter motor help?

Been having an issue with the starter motor in the last few days, the first turn of the key and it spins freely but doesn't engage, then when i turn the key back it clicks/clonks as though its engaging. Then when i turn it over it again for the second time it seems to start fine......any ideas of a possible fix or is it a new starter? has done it a few times this last week but its now doing it most times I start it up
cheers for any info
hock

Not sure, you could try taking the starter off and making sure the throwy out cog thingy is clean and isn't restricted in any way. And that there are no teeth missing.

Admittedly I'm just guessing though. But that's probably what I'd do if it bothered me that much.

Can't see as anything would get in there, not been submerged or anything, been fine this year until now, as for teeth....hmmmm dunno :scratching_chin:

Any tips for removed? Looks a b**ch to get to

At a guess, starter ok but bendix sticking.

How would I solve that, remove and clean? Sorry if it's simple but I've never done one before

Not 100% but starter may have to come out for inspection and possible new solinoid/starter. If solinoid is seized or sticking it wont drive out the gear which engages the flywheel.

sticky solenoid. to do a good job of it take it apart, clean it, light copper greasing, reasemble. bodge for a bit method is to carry a hammer and tap it if it sticks.

Lol I'd be beating the **** out of it regular with a hammer then as its not engaging first time anytime lol

what engine do you have in it?

its easy to get to the started motor, might be worth, before you going taking it out, check your connection to the starter motor, specially earth connection.

if all looks fine, and as you say it never engages at first try, get someone to wack the started motor with the end of a hammer at the same time you turn the key for the first time.

if it engages, then you know its your bendix sticking.

if it is, you can remove the starter motor and try and clean it and then bench test it outside before you fit it again.

For bench testing a starter motor you need to short the contacts with a spanner, search on youtube for this, loads of videos on how to do it.
If it works as it should you should see the bendix coming out.

if it doesnt, then its time to get a new starter motor.

there's 3 bolts holding the starter motor, depending on your engine you can get to all from above, or you might get to one from underneath.

bit fiddly to get it out with downpipes and stuff in the way, but its possible.

I changed my starter motor so many times that I can do it in about 20min now

agree with Mundungus - sounds like the pinion wheel is not throwing forward and engaging as the starter spins.

Could be low voltage not giving it enough 'oomph', but more likely dirty and sticking or fooled

Feels like starter motor out time - and bruised/cut knuckes

Station House said:

agree with Mundungus - sounds like the pinion wheel is not throwing forward and engaging as the starter spins.

Could be low voltage not giving it enough 'oomph', but more likely dirty and sticking or fooled

Feels like starter motor out time - and bruised/cut knuckes

Click to expand...

hey ho, I'm getting used to cut knuckles anyways and probably more to come lol
Handbrake cable snapped this morning as well so there's that to do

Will try the earthing as said above first then I'll whip it off if its still playing up, it would have to go when its bloody ****ing with rain or snowing lol

I've had a look and can't see a cable earthing from the starter, am I missing something or am I looking at the earth from the battery?

Here's a pic:



thats the only cables i can see so i presume theres no earth from the starter?

The earth strap goes from the block just in front of the starter up to it, you're looking at the solenoid in that pic.

Presumably from from one of the three mounting bolts? Had a look last night to no avail

I've checked the earth from the battery and that seems fine, i've also tried with the jump leads onto another vehicle......so cant see it being the earth.........hhmmfff.....looks like its time to take it out.

Is it worth taking it out and stripping/cleaning or better to just get a new one?

stripping/cleaning is not suck a straight forward jobs, there a few springs and bits that might jump at your face when you are doing it.

depends how handy you are and hows your patience like...

eurgghhh! why is it never easy lol

Do you know of a "how-to" or anything on the matter?

Handy and patient......well.....a little of each I suppose....maybe....until it doesnt work and end up at the other side of the garage lol

Google is your friend on this one

As for the earth strap, i wouldn't worry to much as it's earthed through the engine anyway

pppfffff.....just ordered a new un, should be here tomorrow lol

It's one of those jobs that done with a bit of care can make the starter last a fair while longer but if it's plain worn out it wont help and you'll need to change it anyway, personally as the weather is likely to get a whole lot worse soon I'd stick a new one in so that I don't have to crawl under it again this winter! Been there and the worse the weather the more time spent hitting it trying to get it to start, won't do that again!

yep, my thoughts exactly, rain/snow forecast for the weekend = a new starter motor