S3 starter motor problem

[nick150]

I think the starter motor on my S3 needs replacing - recently it has taken a couple of seconds after turning the key before the starter bursts into life, until today when nothing happened, other than a very faint "whirr" sound! No clicking sound and the battery is fine. Finally it turned over with its usual delay.

Do you think a new starter motor is required?

If a new starter motor is needed, any advice on the best (in other words, cheapest!) place to go? I see there is a 2.9 Cosworth Granada starter motor on ebay - would this fit?

Thanks for your help, guys (and gals if appropriate!)

Nick

P.S. went for short blast on the M4 this afternoon - saw someone's lovely Cerbera parked in Membury services with private TVR plate - great stuff!

[pantani201]

sounds like a new starter motor needed. There are two types fitted to the 2.9 engine, one has 2 mounting bolts and the other has 3, make sure you get the right one. I got mine from a motor factor for around £90

[kev s3]

the actuator arm broke on mine, took it to a scrappy and got a similar one for a fiver, you can rob bits off of most bosch ones and repair yours. a knowledgable scrappy guy will help.

[keirangrogan]

This has happened to every Ford I have ever owned, still waiting for it to happen to my S2 though.

What usually happens is that the starter solenoid gets clogged up with dust from the Clutch, it is usually just a case of removing the solenoid cleaning out with WD40 and greasing, however depending on the position on the S (I cant remember where it is !!) it may be just as well to replace depending how difficult it would be to remove and replace.

Did this just yesterday on Her Indoors' Fiesta.

[Psychobert]

A temporary solution to free up most starter motor problmes is to spray it with WD40 and twat it with a hammer.

Don't know exactly why, but the percussive maintenance option has always worked with cars I've had, (though yet to need to try with the S).