Starter Motor Problems

[MistyAR]

Happened today. Just picked up my lunch, get into the car, turn the key - all lights and fuel pump work, but no sound of the beast coming into life!!

A quick call to Hillfoot (car supplier) in Sheffield - they suggest the battery is knackered - I humour them while I can find the number of TMS in Melton.

TMS suggest that a common fault on early? Chims and Griffs are that the starter motors sometimes stick when they get hot - suggested putting car into gear and push it a few times (may help release sticky motor) or if leave car for a few minutes to cool and motor could free itself.

Rocking/leaving car worked and, touch wood, no problems the rest of day.

Anyone else had similar problems?

MistyAR 97 Chim

[manek]

It's a common problem. If it's anything like my Chimaera the problem will get gradually worse for a couple of years until the starter motor packs up altogether.

-Manek-

[shpub]

Quite a common problem. It can get progressively worse and the starter will start to slow down in turnover speed. Tower View just sorted this out on my Griff 500. They recon the motor and install it with a heat shield to protect it from the heat which usually stops the problem.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[UpTheIron]

Are you sure it's not just the ignition switch? Try wiggling the key when you start. It's a very common fault on Cavaliers/Calibra's and the switch is around £14 from a Vauxhall dealer, and 10 minutes to fit it.

[pupp]

Steve, having just fitted a new starter to my Chimp, I'm interested in the heatshield...are these available as a component from TV do you know?

V8??...just four TL1000s zip-tied together, innit!?

[shpub]

Demon Tweeks sell them for around 40 pnds ish but they are not a standard TVR part. Tell your dealer to fit one or change your dealer! Tower View make their own and there was no charge for it (or it was included in the recon price!).

As for the ignition switch problem, I've only heard of that a couple of times but the cooked starter motor one is one that I have haerd frequently. If the ignition and dash lights dim when nothing happens, it is very likely to be a sticky solenoid as the ignition switch failure is usually a complete O/C. When the solenoid sticks the starter motor switch doesn't make contact correctly but you still get a large current drain but not enough to make it work.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[MistyAR]

Worth offering a word of praise for TMS at Melton, their service department had been closed for about 20 mins, but still took the time to speak to me!!

MistyAR 97 Chim

[duncan m]

quote:

TMS suggest that a common fault on early? Chims and Griffs are that the starter motors sometimes stick when they get

Yep that is what I was told. I found that if I left the car for 20 mins with the bonnet up, it would cool down and then no problems, although I must admit to feeling a bit of a prat at the petrol station!

Got my starter replaced last summer, and since then no problems.

[rthierry]

Yep, they all do that Sir! Dave Batty will be changing my start motor tomorrow, as it is just starting to do this. Not a big problem as it just takes 5 minutes rest with the bonnet open to get the car running again but that's a bit embarassing in petrol stations !

Roms
Antigua Blue Chimaera 450
MCC Smart Passion Grey with Bungee Red interior ;o)

[dlewis]

This thread was raised earlier.

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=8&h=0&t=3849

The choice is strip it down or fit a new one.

Mine cost me a finger full of copper grease but undoing the starter motor bolts is not easy.