Starter Motor - Novice question

[philcerbera]

Was grinding a bit occasionally but then engaging. Now all I get is a fast 'wurring' sound no engagement - is this a new starter required or something else?

[methodwares]

bolts might have come loose?

[philcerbera]

Daft question - where on a 4.5 is the starter moter and can I access the 'bolts' without a ramp? I have a trolley jack.

[angusfaldo]

Sounds like mine did when it was on its way out. Whirring, but not engaging. Sometimes engaging. Sometimes grinding noises etc.

Damn starter motor is like a consumable on a Cerb!

[alderley]

You can access the starter without a ramp because it sits on top of the bell housing not low down. On mine the fault was the starter clutch mechanism which failed because it stripped its internal splines. Previously on PH forum, I explained the part you need (costs just over £60 in California but the importers plus a distributor combined charge an additional £60). It would be cheaper for someone to import several from TILTON directly for £60 each and one courier charge of £60. Changing the part takes literally 5 min once the starter is off the car. Hope this helps!

[budaholic]

Here, can see quite clearly on this pic where it sits



Budaholic

[TVR-Phoenix]

ahhh, its that red button right at the right then

[philcerbera]

Thanks for all the advice.

Brilliant picture and if I'm correct the starter motor is forward of the gear stick and behind the engine. From which I've decided this is a job for the professionals.....

Am I likely to mess anything up if I bump start it to get it there?

[TVR-Phoenix]

Easy to get to... and easy to replace... joospeed done mine

[gazzab]

Dont bump start so I understand!

[andy4200]

gazzab said:

Dont bump start so I understand!

Why, never done mine any harm. I heard it was something to do with the cats and unburnt fuel but if you have no cats then no problem.

I stand to be corrected.

[verminator]

gazzab said:

Dont bump start so I understand!

i was told you can spike the ecu. your starter motor
is making the same noise mine was. turned out to be
stripped teeth. total cost £327. good luck.

[budaholic]

Mine makes this same noise occasionally, sounds like teeth not meshing properly. I quickly let go of button then press again and usually it's ok second time.

But for how long?!?!?!?!?

Bud

[philcerbera]

Bud

Mine did what you described for a few starts before failing. Suggest you get it looked at before it fails when you most need it!

[davetherave1970]

budaholic said:

But for how long?!?!?!?!? Bud

Mines done it for the last year(ish) so don't panic yet. Saying that it'll probably let me down later today

[jonnyw]

Mine's been doing it for about 4 months and is progressively getting worse, bought a 2nd hand one from Douglas Valley and I think will fit it this weekend, assume the 4.2 location is the same?

[froggie]

hi mine started grating and on stripdown found the sprag (gear clutch affair inside the starter)had broken up.the item is now replaced as a sprag unit.and all is well again.