Overheating Starter Motor???

[Bobhon]

After a somewhat spirited run out with my local TVR crowd we pulled into a local hostelry for a swift... Coffee, well we were all driving.

Returning to the car the starter motor didn't do anything when I turned the key. The crowd bump started me all right and we drove off to our final destination. Tried to restart on arrival and once again no starter motor.

So I lifted the bonnet and left it open for about 1/2 hour while having a chat with the others. Then the starter motor turned over fine and started the car.

Has anyone else had (and fixed) this? Does it need a heat shield or an overhaul or a new motor?

Any help appreciated before we get to the hot weather which will undoubtedly make it worse.

Bob

[S2Andy]

Bob
Just had what appears to be exactly the same problem. Took starter motor out (a bit arkward) and completely dismantled it but could see nothing wrong.Remade the white/red connector to the solenoid and checked very carefully the red power lead and polished the connectors. Put it all back together and its never been better. This is a well documented problem on the S Series when hot and I don't recall if there is a definitive answer. Good Luck. Andy.

[hvdweerden]

Had the same problem. Sticky solenoid on starter motor. Cleaned and greased, no problem anymore.

Br, Han

[steve j]

Mine has a problem, the small electrical connection on the solenoid has had it. The nut would not undo and the threaded connection on the solenoid just spun and came away -- new solenoid or starter motor ? better to find this sort of problem during a refurb I suppose.

[Peter M]

Strange that you should say this, as I have too having a similar problem. Last year I had a couple of times when the starter was dead, normally after a run (twice at filling stations). Then after a few minutes, it works again, not enough time to get under the bonnet with my meter to check for power. I suspect the solenoid or the wiring. I tried to check this out on Saturday only to find the battery was flat, so charging this now ready for another try this weekend.

If it is the solenoid, can it be dismantled from the starter for inspection and cleaning ?

[S2Andy]

Yes, Mine was a Bosch motor. You have to take the whole thing out of the car, and on the back are 3 phillips screws which attach it to the motor proper. Not sure if you can buy seperately though, although a good clean and grease may sort it. All the wiring is sealed within the unit so only the mechanical bits can be seen. Andy

[seb400]

In the short term - in my old Wedge I used to carry a broom handle in the boot. Two or three sharp taps on the casing of the starter motor was usually sufficient to bring it back to life.

Steve

[Brendon NZ]

I had the same problem...in the end, I took it off (3 bolts as previously mentioned so not hard) and took it into an auto electrician. They refurbed it over night and had it back on the car....starts first time , everytime now.

[Bobhon]

Thanks to all. I had pretty much figured that it was a sticky solenoid which doesn't like getting hot.
So it looks like a strip out clean, grease, clean up all terminals and mating connectors and see how it goes from there.

Or always park on a steep hill when it's hot, as one kind Chimaera owner suggested. Well he did help to push start me so he was entitled to at least one laugh out of me I suppose.

Bob

[phillpot]

over thrashed I reckon Bob !

sure you know someone at work who could take a look at it for you

[Bobhon]

Hey keeping up with Sagaris's, Tuscans and Chimaeras is hard work in a little V6 S... But I did mainly manage to. Seemed to be the heat soak at the half way coffee stop that did it.

I also think that I've used up most of my 'mate at work' favours for a while.

Bob