Starter Motor?

[LaserTam]

The symptoms on my Tam are:
Occasionally when attempting to start, I just get a 'click' and no engine turn over. I switch off the ignition, on again, try to turn over, starts fine with no suggestion of lack of power from the battery.
It had a new battery about 2 years ago, so hopefully its not that.
So, could the starter motor be on the way out? Anyway to be sure?
Its a 2005, with 25k on the clock.

[Sevenman]

I had similar symptons with my Tam, but it tended to happen when the engine was hot.

A new starter fixed it. Went for the upgraded one from Power that they use for their larger capscity rebuilds, turns it over much quicker than before (and suitable should I ever need a rebuild).

[Geoff Ashcroft]

I'd start by cleaning all earth points and coating them with electrical grease to ensure good contact

[Pursyluv]

Mine does this on rare occasions, but as it always starts second attempt it's fairly low on my list of issues to sort just like the oil pressure sensor warnings etc etc

[Chamorange]

Hi,

I also have the same problem on occasions but always turns on the second attempt and the engine can be hot or cold.

Must have a look at it some time but not a priority at the moment.

[chris watton]

I think mine does this, too! I thought is was the alarm still not switched off, but when I read this thread, perhaps it isn't.

I plan to get the upgraded starter motor when the clutch is changed, will ask them to check wiring too.

[LaserTam]

Thanks for the replies, seems I am not alone. As others have said, can happen hot or cold and I think with one exception, it turns over fine on the second try. Its just a worry, especially with a weekend away planned on the Bank Holiday (Blenheim Palace)
Geoff - If I knew where they were, I would

[Geoff Ashcroft]

There's one on the chassis inside the battery compartment, and the other main earth is accessible via front right wheel arch. I think its on the chassis-side of the r/h engine mount. That's where I'd start.

[DavidT350c]

I am a newby on the forums, but have read them with interest for some time and have always found the advice from others really helpful.

I saw your post and realised I can help based on my own experience and it has prompted me to finally join the Pistonheads family!

I had exactly the problem you have set out (on T350c). Mine got progressively worse, taking more and more attempts to start. I checked relays, tested the alarm and immobiliser and was sure it wasn't the battery as I always keep the car on an Accumate.

Having read through other threads on the forums, I concluded that it was the starter motor on its way out. Got a replacement and car started first time, and no problems since.

I would therefore suggest that you go for a new starter motor. Not too bad if you want to fit yourself, only two bolts. More difficult is getting to it, but if you have ever removed your airbox etc, you will be ok with getting to it.

All the best with it.
David

[chris watton]

DavidT350c said:

I am a newby on the forums, but have read them with interest for some time and have always found the advice from others really helpful.

I saw your post and realised I can help based on my own experience and it has prompted me to finally join the Pistonheads family!

I had exactly the problem you have set out (on T350c). Mine got progressively worse, taking more and more attempts to start. I checked relays, tested the alarm and immobiliser and was sure it wasn't the battery as I always keep the car on an Accumate.

Having read through other threads on the forums, I concluded that it was the starter motor on its way out. Got a replacement and car started first time, and no problems since.

I would therefore suggest that you go for a new starter motor. Not too bad if you want to fit yourself, only two bolts. More difficult is getting to it, but if you have ever removed your airbox etc, you will be ok with getting to it.

All the best with it.
David

Thank you David, and welcome!

[LaserTam]

And a from me too - glad my post turned you from a lurker to a poster. Thanks.

Ironically, since my post I have been using the car a fair bit more, including a trip to Blenheim Palace/Oxford at the weekend and its only happened just the once. And yes I have removed the airbox before, so encouraged that I may well be able to fix myself.

[gordonsalive]

Same sort of issue with mine too, happens rarely but I did look into the starter motor option and I believe it is one of these -
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STARTER-MOTOR-NEW-UNIT-F...
Anybody in the know can confirm?

[craigcaf]

I would recommend using a WOSP LMS101 starter, available here:

http://www.amp-starters.co.uk/Automotive-Starter-M...

£134.80 inc VAT - you'll save a fortune and they are brand new - it is based on the high power starter that is used for the 4.3 upgrades, and is probably the one that the specialists sell at much higher price (once the WOSP sticker is removerd). I fitted one to my T350C - much better starting speed. Also worth changing the 2 retaining bolts to stainless steel when you make the change.

C

Edited by craigcaf on Friday 29th August 12:56

[SAGTAFF]

Bugger! I have the same problem only on the morning of going to Bleinheim castle, mine did not work at all so ther Sag ended up staying at home.

My first thought was starter motor but others have convinced me its the battery therefore I was going to replace the battery this weekend but on reading this thread...............

[chris watton]

craigcaf said:

I would recommend using a WOSP LMS101 starter, available here:

http://www.amp-starters.co.uk/Automotive-Starter-M...

£134.80 inc VAT - you'll save a fortune and they are brand new - it is based on the high power starter that is used for the 4.3 upgrades, and is probably the one that the specialists sell at much higher price (once the WOSP sticker is removerd). I fitted one to my T350C - much better starting speed. Also worth changing the 2 retaining bolts to stainless steel when you make the change.

C

Edited by craigcaf on Friday 29th August 12:56

Good find!

It probably is the same one that TVR specialists sell for well over £200.

It's like the Trek Momo R wheel - under £170 (inclusive) from standard outlets, it's over £170 even before the VAT from TVR specialists!

[shep1001]

chris watton said:

Good find!

It probably is the same one that TVR specialists sell for well over £200.

It's like the Trek Momo R wheel - under £170 (inclusive) from standard outlets, it's over £170 even before the VAT from TVR specialists!

Where have you seen the Trek-R so cheap Chris? I did have a record of it but can't remember where it was

[chris watton]

shep1001 said:

Where have you seen the Trek-R so cheap Chris? I did have a record of it but can't remember where it was

http://caraudiosecurity.com/momo-trek-r-chrome-black-350mm-steering-wheel