Exhaust manifold fouling starter solenoid

[jack350]

Ongoing problems with the stainless manifolds. Just had them back to JP to be realigned and the overall geometry now seems fine. Not touching the chassis which was the main problem.
However drivers side is fouling the starter solenoid, so much so you can get the manifold on without the starter but no way can you then fit the starter. In the past when I tride to make a slight indent into the manifold it seemed to alter the whole geometry. Is it possible the get a smaller starter/solenoid?
Phil

[Number 7]

I'd be inclined to get it back to JP if it doesn't fit properly. They must have made enough it get it right. The O/S does pass close to the starter, but shouldn't touch. Heat shielding is recommended.

[mrzigazaga]

Number 7 said:

I'd be inclined to get it back to JP if it doesn't fit properly. They must have made enough it get it right. The O/S does pass close to the starter, but shouldn't touch. Heat shielding is recommended.

+1

[Terence]

The stainless manifolds on my last wedge ran so close to the solenoid live terminal that when it rained water would track down the exhaust manifold bridge the gap to the solenoid and slowly drain the battery. It was like that when I bought it. I shortened the solenoid terminal to cure the problem, but the header was still extremely close to the starter. I would agree with others if they are new get the manufacturer to sort the issue, providing that in the past someone has not changed the starter for a non original unit.

[KKson]

i reckon there's 10 thou clearance between my manifold and starter solenoid connector. It's too close for comfort and certainly there's no room whatsoever for any insulation.

[jack350]

Trouble is I have had a lot of toing and froing (not with JP) in the past.If I was to replace the starter with a new smaller unit any reccomendations as what to go for?
Phil

[matt-man]

My ones took a bit of adjustment with a hammer to make them fit...!

[adam quantrill]

I just "adjusted" mine a little bit. Top tips:

- to mark it where it needs the dent - scrape it with a file or similar either side of the problem area,

- heat it with a blowlamp before whacking it, if you can get a dull red that's great but anything quite hot will make it easier and you'll put less stress on the metal.

[jack350]

Thanks guys

[uglymug]

I had exactly the same probs with my 350i . wayy too close so i got one of those plumbers soldering mats and wired it to the manifold , right next to the motor , did a good job too . never had any trouble with starter after ......hope this helps .UG

[adam quantrill]

That's OK for stainless but if a mild steel one be careful - if the mat picks up moisture when the engine is off it can provoke corrosion. We tried exhaust wrap "back in the day" and the manifolds didn't half rust underneath!

[rev-erend]

You should try a 4 into one manifold .. twice as many pipes and even more problems with the starter motor. Don't think mine will come out unless I remove the heads and all sorts.

Also after running the car up to temperature yesterday I really must measure the temp of the starter motor and decide whether to put protective lagging on it or not .. the cable across to the starter looked to be getting very warm too.. despite the zirocotec coating on the manifolds.

[matt-man]

rev-erend said:

You should try a 4 into one manifold .. twice as many pipes and even more problems with the starter motor. Don't think mine will come out unless I remove the heads and all sorts.

Also after running the car up to temperature yesterday I really must measure the temp of the starter motor and decide whether to put protective lagging on it or not .. the cable across to the starter looked to be getting very warm too.. despite the zirocotec coating on the manifolds.

hey Rev! It runs?! Lets see a vid...would be great to see that!

[rev-erend]

Hi Matt

First video of it running last week: The camera makes it sound worse that it is .. just listen for the pops and bangs on the overrun.

http://youtu.be/7HiDrrRt-cs

Sounded a bit better this week as we tweeked the map a bit.

[matt-man]

Wow!! Noisy stuff!!

When are you planning to get it back on the road??

[rev-erend]

Jus soon as all the tasks are done.

[adam quantrill]

GREAT! You were jumping about filming it like you were a little bit scared though.... ;^)

[Engineer1949]

Rather than distorting your manifolds take the starter out and file the fixing holes into a slot obviously to turn the starter slightly anticlock to move the solenoid towards the block and away from the manifold dosent need to be to much but make a big difference in clearance.


John

[adam quantrill]

Good idea - or you can get a prestolite starter, much smaller, so more clearance. They turn over the engine quicker too.