Starter motor woes
Discussion
Starter motor would not disengage when the engine was running so with help from PH the issue was traced to faulty wiring causing a short (I think!). Tidied up the wiring with some help. Put the solenoid back together. Tested it off the car and the motor spins and disengages. Problem solved I think.
However, when I put the motor back on and reconnect it, it won't fire the engine. It simply spins until I press the red button. I'm thinking this is related to the original issue and the motor spinning constantly for 3 or 4 minutes until I managed to disconnect the battery has damaged the motor.
Should the wheel/cog in the starter move forward when it's powered? Could this be the problem now? It's not engaging the engine. I didn't notice when I tested it as I was so pleased that it began spinning, after originally incorrectly reassembling the solenoid and it not firing the motor.
Should I just bite the bullet and buy a recon starter from Power?
However, when I put the motor back on and reconnect it, it won't fire the engine. It simply spins until I press the red button. I'm thinking this is related to the original issue and the motor spinning constantly for 3 or 4 minutes until I managed to disconnect the battery has damaged the motor.
Should the wheel/cog in the starter move forward when it's powered? Could this be the problem now? It's not engaging the engine. I didn't notice when I tested it as I was so pleased that it began spinning, after originally incorrectly reassembling the solenoid and it not firing the motor.
Should I just bite the bullet and buy a recon starter from Power?
WhyTwo said:
However, when I put the motor back on and reconnect it, it won't fire the engine. It simply spins until I press the red button. I'm thinking this is related to the original issue and the motor spinning constantly for 3 or 4 minutes until I managed to disconnect the battery has damaged the motor.
Does it stop spinning when you release the black button?If not is sounds like the solenoid is getting stuck and a rebuild kit may well help.
No. Push and release the black button and the motor spins until the red button is pushed. The original issue was that even after pressing the red button the motor would continue spinning.
Sounds like a a short in the wiring leading to a stuck solenoid and finally a damaged clutch.
If a rebuild kit will fix this then that's great. Rather than forking out for a refurb unit
Sounds like a a short in the wiring leading to a stuck solenoid and finally a damaged clutch.
If a rebuild kit will fix this then that's great. Rather than forking out for a refurb unit
The rebuild kit that I got contained a new solenoid which from the sound of it should cure the issue - provided it isn't a fault in the ignition circuit rather than the starter motor.
If you have tested the starter off the car, I would be putting a meter (or a sidelight bulb) between the solenoid signal wire and earth to check that the solenoid is not being activated unless the black button is being held down. If it is then I would start looking at the ignition control box instead.
If you have tested the starter off the car, I would be putting a meter (or a sidelight bulb) between the solenoid signal wire and earth to check that the solenoid is not being activated unless the black button is being held down. If it is then I would start looking at the ignition control box instead.
I've tested the ignition circuit and that all seemed fine.
I'm inclined to get this repair kit as like you say I think it could solve the issue.
Is it straightforward to fit? Does it need/come with instructions? Having dismantled and reassembled the solenoid it seems pretty straightforward to me
I'm inclined to get this repair kit as like you say I think it could solve the issue.
Is it straightforward to fit? Does it need/come with instructions? Having dismantled and reassembled the solenoid it seems pretty straightforward to me
You could put a voltage tester on the small wire that goes to the solenoid of the starter motor and make sure that the 12V is there when the black button is pressed and disappears as soon as the black button is released.
A faulty start circuit would then be eliminated and the solenoid itself would be under the spotlight.
Regards
Simon
A faulty start circuit would then be eliminated and the solenoid itself would be under the spotlight.
Regards
Simon
WhyTwo said:
I've tested the ignition circuit and that all seemed fine.
I'm inclined to get this repair kit as like you say I think it could solve the issue.
Is it straightforward to fit? Does it need/come with instructions? Having dismantled and reassembled the solenoid it seems pretty straightforward to me
In the kit I had, the main spring was a different shape from the original one so I used that instead. There were no instructions, so you need to make sure you get it assembled in the right order. I'm inclined to get this repair kit as like you say I think it could solve the issue.
Is it straightforward to fit? Does it need/come with instructions? Having dismantled and reassembled the solenoid it seems pretty straightforward to me
It's a while since I did mine but if I remember rightly, getting the main spring so that it pushed the solenoid back took a surprising amount of force and it would happily all go together without the spring properly placed.
Is it possible that your existing solenoid is not correctly assembled so the main spring is not returning it once it has been engaged?
Thought I would post an update...
It's alive! I bought the repair kit, thanks for the heads up on that Pete. Relatively simple to fit but a little tricky getting the solenoid plunger in correctly with the spring there.
Huge huge thanks to Gifdy and his amazing spanner skills, circuit testing ability and considerable tenacity - I would still be there now if not for your help.
In case anyone is interested we took off the cooling reservoir to improve access as this seemed easier than the fuel rail. It works but is a bugger to get back in. Just need to top up the coolant again and I'll be off for a spin
It's alive! I bought the repair kit, thanks for the heads up on that Pete. Relatively simple to fit but a little tricky getting the solenoid plunger in correctly with the spring there.
Huge huge thanks to Gifdy and his amazing spanner skills, circuit testing ability and considerable tenacity - I would still be there now if not for your help.
In case anyone is interested we took off the cooling reservoir to improve access as this seemed easier than the fuel rail. It works but is a bugger to get back in. Just need to top up the coolant again and I'll be off for a spin
You could really woo Tuscan Chick with those babies. 
WhyTwo said:
LOL! Don't start that again. I think I may have sneaked away unnoticed from the Tuscan forum!
Don't be silly, you massive thighed hunk.I was thinking about changing my login name to Cerby Chick, just so I can keep an eye on you!!
Just come back from a 2 and a half month route, Rio - Santiago - Rio, keeping all those elderly cruisers happy, with our nightly dance and cabaret routines. Some of those old chaps make some disgusting suggestions, when their wives have nipped off to replace their Tenna Lady Pads.
Anyway, sounds like you've been having some troubles with the car?
Is it all related to that rolling road thing, where your car sh4t itself? I know you came out with some old guff about timing or something. Anyway, now it's fixed, do you think you'll be the least powerful again next time?
Maybe if you weren't so "chunky" you wouldn't be last all the time?
Sounds like you had to get someone to fix your car again for you? You shouldn't meddle with things you don't undertsand. It sounds like you tinker around with it, mess it up and then bleat about it on here and hope to get someone to mend it or free?
The First Officer on our ship is like you; a real FIGJAM.
But beneath the thin vaneer, he's pretty clueless too.
Anyway, glad to hear that you are back on the road again; just in time to pack it away for the winter!
See you soon, maybe at Le Manns next year??
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