Starter Motor Fun.....NOT!!!!!!!

[si-pen]

Took the day off yesterday to remove the starter motor as its been making horrible noises!

Been getting worse everytime I start her up and now its getting colder I have to turn her over A LOT until she fires up....Yes, I'm still talking about the Cerbera!

Took notes from this wonderful forum and started the operation, everything going well but bits everywhere and places you don't want them.

Gets to the coil packs...one off but the other, not a chance. The captive nut on the plate was turning with one of the cap head screws and it was the most ackward one to get to. In the end had to drill out the centre until the head of the screw could be knocked off easily.

OK a slight delay but I'm now on the starter motor removal and out she comes with not too many problems.

I inspect the started and strip it down to see how it works and it is totally buggered. The main gear is worn, the brushes are sticking and wearing unevenly, the solenoid is coming apart and electrcial connections bad, the bearings are a poor fit in the casing/housing and it all rattles like a babies toy.

I'm amazed and this was fitted in August 2003, as per invoice supplied with car when I bought it in July 04. Its only covered a few thousand miles since being fitted and the wear is incredible. I thought the main wear item was the clutch.

Anyhow, I'm waiting for a replacement so I'm cerbie-less and a little bit sad today!

[shell]

Si, if it counts you can have a laugh on me. I have got to perform the same miserable task as you soon. I'm taking a week off to do it! If you have any tips please email me, I'm dreading it, limited tools, limited mechanical knowledge and limited patience!!

Hope you get back in the cockpit soon....if you know what I mean!

[kojak69]

Sounds fun.

Thats why I take it to Joolz.

[njw 77]

Didnt even bother opening the bonnet, got Austec to pick the car up and replace the starter...claim on its way to the warranty company soon

[Julian64]

njw 77 said:

Didnt even bother opening the bonnet, got Austec to pick the car up and replace the starter...claim on its way to the warranty company soon

You say that like its not costing you anything

[DuncanM]

Quick question, how much is a new starter motor fitted?

Must be quite a bit if taking a week off work is cheaper!

Duncan

[SXS]

Hahaha - depends how much you earn - and if you're earning that low - then you better give the keys back to your dad!

My starter motor went - I believe it cost £180 and Joo ripped my arse off with a stonking £50 for the labour! I was standing right there - and when I saw that in around 15 mins he took it out and replaced it, without any issues - I was gobsmacked - this guy has all the shortcuts worked out...

(in reality it was an hour, but thats because I was standing there boring him to death about god knows what - so I guess he charged me for the social services too - tight git! - but job well done and actually with his rates he's quite a bit cheaper than popping into a psychologist... ).....

[njw 77]

Julian64 said:

njw 77 said: Didnt even bother opening the bonnet, got Austec to pick the car up and replace the starter...claim on its way to the warranty company soon You say that like its not costing you anything

Well apart from the warranty, obviously, and the 'other works' done while it was in the garage, then no, not as far as I am aware

[shell]

DuncanM said:

Quick question, how much is a new starter motor fitted? Must be quite a bit if taking a week off work is cheaper! Duncan

I don't remember saying anything about it being cheaper to take a week off than pay out £180. 2 weeks extra holiday this year, so instead of listening to the kids crying I thought I would spend some of it in the garage, crying by myself, Oh but like most I will be getting paid while doing it!

[DuncanM]

That's cool Shell it's just I'm a contractor and taking a week off to do £180 job would be crazy for me .

Must be kinda cool fixing things yourself anyhow and certainly something I'd like to do if I had a garage.

Duncan