Need a new starter motor ASAP! What do I need to know?
Discussion
Hello again!
After getting the electrical short sorted, it's now randomly not starting! Solenoid clicks, but it won't turn over. Once it's warm it's usually fine, but at times I have map turned the engine off and it wouldn't restart again. Seems quite random, so I wonder if it's a failing starter motor.
So I thought I'd check the usual suspects, battery cable and starter. Removed the connections on the battery fine, but went to remove the connection to the solenoid and it sheared the terminal off. Bugger!
So now I'm in need of a new starter motor, ASAP. Should I go for the standard motor or one of these upgraded ones? Where's best to buy from? Is it a false economy buying used, seeing as they're all likely to be pretty old now.
Also, what size are the Allen bolts securing the starter motor, mine don't seem to fit.
Finally, I'm not sure whether to replace the battery cable from the battery to the solenoid. Seems like a good idea, but it doesn't look too worn out. Is it easy to replace? Pull through from inside the car with a new cable taped to the end of the old one?
Looks like I won't be making the New Year's Day meets then
Cheers,
Dan
After getting the electrical short sorted, it's now randomly not starting! Solenoid clicks, but it won't turn over. Once it's warm it's usually fine, but at times I have map turned the engine off and it wouldn't restart again. Seems quite random, so I wonder if it's a failing starter motor.
So I thought I'd check the usual suspects, battery cable and starter. Removed the connections on the battery fine, but went to remove the connection to the solenoid and it sheared the terminal off. Bugger!
So now I'm in need of a new starter motor, ASAP. Should I go for the standard motor or one of these upgraded ones? Where's best to buy from? Is it a false economy buying used, seeing as they're all likely to be pretty old now.
Also, what size are the Allen bolts securing the starter motor, mine don't seem to fit.
Finally, I'm not sure whether to replace the battery cable from the battery to the solenoid. Seems like a good idea, but it doesn't look too worn out. Is it easy to replace? Pull through from inside the car with a new cable taped to the end of the old one?
Looks like I won't be making the New Year's Day meets then
Cheers,
Dan
zed4 said:
Hello again!
Eyup!zed4 said:
After getting the electrical short sorted, it's now randomly not starting! Solenoid clicks, but it won't turn over. Once it's warm it's usually fine, but at times I have map turned the engine off and it wouldn't restart again. Seems quite random, so I wonder if it's a failing starter motor.
Mine does that when it's cold and damp outside - I'm sure it's just a combination of years of sticky lubricant gunk and goop on the starter motor solenoid and the weather as it generally frees up if you leave it a while - I have a new starter motor in the "to do" box... zed4 said:
So I thought I'd check the usual suspects, battery cable and starter. Removed the connections on the battery fine, but went to remove the connection to the solenoid and it sheared the terminal off. Bugger!
Not what you want...zed4 said:
So now I'm in need of a new starter motor, ASAP. Should I go for the standard motor or one of these upgraded ones? Where's best to buy from? Is it a false economy buying used, seeing as they're all likely to be pretty old now.
There was a lot of discussion on here about this subject a year or so ago with some good contributions from ChimpOnGas regarding the "high torque" motors - in the end after all that I think I got one of these...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-CHIMAERA-GRIFFITH-RE...
zed4 said:
Also, what size are the Allen bolts securing the starter motor, mine don't seem to fit.
Ahhh ... I believe that they are imperial but not sure what size imperial offhand.zed4 said:
Finally, I'm not sure whether to replace the battery cable from the battery to the solenoid. Seems like a good idea, but it doesn't look too worn out. Is it easy to replace? Pull through from inside the car with a new cable taped to the end of the old one?
Controversial statement time here but if it's working then why mess with it? Yes it might be nice to replace the old 25sqmm stuff with 35mm or something prettier but if it's doing the job then I'd leave it for a time when you have better weather. 
zed4 said:
Looks like I won't be making the New Year's Day meets then
Me neither - just waiting for a flatbed! 
Thanks for the superb post Phil!
I've had a look at the fancy starters, they're around £200-300 by the look of it.
I'm thinking of ordering this, seems cheap and it's obviously an aftermarket part, but it's a lot cheaper than the high torque jobbies
http://www.paddockspares.com/nad101490-starter-mot...
I've had a look at the fancy starters, they're around £200-300 by the look of it.
I'm thinking of ordering this, seems cheap and it's obviously an aftermarket part, but it's a lot cheaper than the high torque jobbies
http://www.paddockspares.com/nad101490-starter-mot...
Mine isn't an "OE" one either - chances are it'll be the same as the one you just listed though.
The Rover V8's aren't exactly running mega compressions to "need" a high starter motor torque and TBH I assume they get a higher torque by gearing down the motor so you may get more torque but they turn over more slowly?
Phil
The Rover V8's aren't exactly running mega compressions to "need" a high starter motor torque and TBH I assume they get a higher torque by gearing down the motor so you may get more torque but they turn over more slowly?
Phil
TJC46 said:
There are companys out there that can repair and refurbish your original starter.
I had the same problem as you on the starter on my S3 [ford v6] and it was refurbished and repaired for approx £30.00.
That was about 4 years ago though so dont use that price as an estimate.
Yeah, my dad suggested that. I may well get the old one reconditioned and have it as a spare.I had the same problem as you on the starter on my S3 [ford v6] and it was refurbished and repaired for approx £30.00.
That was about 4 years ago though so dont use that price as an estimate.
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