Starter Motor - fix / replace / something else ?

[M@H]

Its entirely my own fault for not driving the car enough I know but recently the starter motor has started sticking (left unused for a month). I can sort the problem out by giving it a tap with a soft faced hammer, however on a more long-term basis what should I do ? Will it "fix" itself if I drive it daily (carrying hammer and trolley jack with me I guess), or is it cleanable/fixable/strippable if I get it off the car, or is it best just to replace the thing with a new one.

Any tips on removal / replacement of the starter motor and any of the above much appreciated.

Cheers
Matt.

[PeterC]

Matt
Is it the starter or the pre-engager part that is at fault? You may find that the motor will respond to a simple strip and clean. Starters are simple things and a lot of parts are available separately from a good trade outlet, so you can service them at home.

Or look in Yellowpages for a company that does exchange on a refurbished one.

You sometimes need special extra long sockets or non standard sockets to fit the bolts used to mount some starters and a hydraulic lift or inspection pit helps?

Peter

[M@H]

Hi Peter

well you've got me on the technical details slightly there.. the actual motor works fine as once "un-stuck" it starts fine.. I'm guessing its the pre-engager thats causing the probem, but that really is a guess..

regarding the removal, I'm thinking about asking a local garage if I can borrow a 4 post ramp for a few hours as having found the motor above the clutch slave cylinder, theres no way I'm doing the job with Axle stands lying on my back. I don't have to do anything wierd to take the starter out out do I..? on the beetle one of the starter mounting bolts when right through the engine and gbox casing and helped hold the lot together, and was a real pain to get to..

Cheers,
Matt.


>> Edited by M@H on Thursday 17th July 11:43

[spend]

I would say find an auto-electrician, who rebuilds / recons starter motors and has lift.

They would probably fix it while you wait. Springs and brushes dont take very long to fit - and it seems good auto-electricians stock these items.

(from V8 Rangie/Disco experience)

Dave

[wads]

Drove thru a flood last Dec and wrecked my starter. Part ex you're talking > £140 from a re-conditioner. Managed to get a second hand unit for £60 and changed it out myself (on axle stands ? bit worrying). Easy job though, just need to remove 2 allen bolts. I would recommend getting it up on a lift, do it yourself, probably only needs a bit of WD 40 in the pre-engager bit. Good luck.

[M@H]

Hi all.

Managed to get the car nice and stable on Axle stands on Saturday and get the Starter off.. as per bible (& wads) you need an allen key socket and an extension bar for your wrench, other than that its plain sailing with just the 2 bolts. Having removed it I applied liberal amounts of wd40 and gave the thing a bit of a clean etc, put back on the car and its working absolutely fine now.

Cheers,
Matt.

>> Edited by M@H on Tuesday 22 July 13:12

[wads]

Good stuff, most jobs are pretty straight forward on a TVR & parts are reasonable, it's just that getting it safely off the floor bit that worries me.
Cheers