Starter Motor Issues?

[jesusbuiltmycar]

My Chimaera won't start - all I get is a single click (which I assume is the solenoid) when I turn the key. This has happened a couple of times before but in the past a gentle rock of the car in gear solves the issue and the engine fire up. Unfortunately this time it seams very dead and I believe it is the started motor.

Symptoms are as follows:
Note: Battery is showing a charge of 13v
1: Turn ignition key, here fuel pump prime
2: If the lights are on the dashboard lights dim slightly
3: A single click can be heard
4: The car does not start.

I have had a quick read over the various threads about starter motor issues on here and I am trying to decide what the best options are:

1: Get an auto-electrician out to confirm that it is the starter motor.
2: Replace the starter motor and hope that solves the issue.

If I decide on option 2: is Brookwells the best place to go? and is this the correct starter motor linky

Any advice appreciated.

[pena]

I got my too start by tapping it fairy hard with a hammer.
Temp fix of course.

[MADMAX2]

put the car in gear and rock backwards and forwards
it frees it up then try

[darkcat]

i have EXACTLY the same problem, seemed to start happening all of a sudden after the car was stood for 3 months outside, something must have corroded....

I also find a quick puch in gear frees it.

But i will need a new motor at some point.

[John042]

My starter problems were similar cured with a replacement from Brookwells advertised as suitable for Classic V8's. They quoted two prices for different makes,(One had a longer warranty)I fitted the cheaper option about £80? No problems since and a competive price compared to others. John042

[jesusbuiltmycar]

John042 said:

My starter problems were similar cured with a replacement from Brookwells advertised as suitable for Classic V8's. They quoted two prices for different makes,(One had a longer warranty)I fitted the cheaper option about £80? No problems since and a competive price compared to others. John042

I am going to go ahead and order the starter motor from Brookwells - if it doesnt sure it at least I'lll know the starter motor is good ...

[M@H]

I had this issue (sticking starte solenoid) with my first Chimaera, I simply took the motor off cleaned it up, lubed it with some parafin (IIRC or was it just 4d40??) and put it back on again. Job done, no need to replace it, probably took an hour at most.

[srdtvr]

my starter motor seems very sluggish most of the time - is that normal?
I was planning to remove it and give it a clean and check connections before getting a new one if it doesn't improve.

[BrianMillar]

jesusbuiltmycar said:

I am going to go ahead and order the starter motor from Brookwells - if it doesnt sure it at least I'lll know the starter motor is good ...

Use a short piece of wire to take power from the big positive cable on the starter to the solenoid terminal. If the engine turns over then it’s not the starter, it is the wiring.
Make sure the car is not in gear.

Until you know the starter is at fault, why spend a fortune on a part you may not need?

[crispian22]

could be the trigger wire on the solenoid,its the thin wire that connects to the starter.if its dirty or corroded,it wont be sending a full 12v to the solenoid and wont spin the motor.try taking the wire off and giving the connections a good clean.it wont cost you anything but may solve the problem

[jesusbuiltmycar]

With some help from a friend (with the right tools) the starter motor was replaced on Monday. The job took a total of 50 minutes and the now car starts quicker than it ever has! Very pleased with the result, the total cost has come in at about £80 for the part (including delivery) and a Vindaloo for Saleem for his help!

I suspect that the solenoid had gone on the old starter motor and I noticed that the teeth on it are very worn.

[srdtvr]

where did you get the starter - sounds a good price ?
Cheers
Steve

[jesusbuiltmycar]

Here: linky

My car is an older 94 4.3L - the new starter looks exactly the same as the one I removed.

It is held in place with 2 hex bolts. You will probably need an Allen Key socket to get them undone.

Also make sure you isolate the battery first.

[srdtvr]

thanks for the info