Noisy starter motor??

[Knatter]

I own my 1997 Griffith 500 since 2019. And I have not get used to the horrible noise the starter motor makes. Here two examples, one with the immobiliser turned on, one turned off:

https://youtu.be/l804JqMlK3A

https://youtu.be/SHY9wGMPsnU

Is that noise normal or will it give up soon?

The car 50'000 km (32'000 miles) on the clock.

[tivver500]

Sounds like the pre-engagement solenoid is sticking and the motor is starting to spin before the cogs are fully engaged.
Not difficult to resolve once the starter motor is taken off (much easier with the car up on ramps!!!).
If you do this then fit the starter with a small heat proof blanket before fitting back on the car - will prevent any of the 'hot start' issues so often reported!
I did this on mine over 15 years ago and have had no problems ever since.....

[Knatter]

Thank you for your good advice!

[Zener]

Text book sprag clutch failing part of the pinion drive assy its slipping and eventually will fail altogether thus leaving you stranded

[Knatter]

So I have changed the starter motor and: What a difference! A lot less noise and much more power!!!

:-)

[Zener]

Knatter said:

So I have changed the starter motor and: What a difference! A lot less noise and much more power!!!

:-)

Good update

[DustyC]

Changed mine (about 15 years ago!) and it fixed it too. Found the old one yesterday in the back of the garage. Can they be refurbed?

[Zener]

DustyC said:

Changed mine (about 15 years ago!) and it fixed it too. Found the old one yesterday in the back of the garage. Can they be refurbed?

Yes however not too cost effective nowadays when new pattern units are £70 owners often rave on about them