starter motor

[SimonSparrow]

The starter motor in my 3000M would not turn the engine over this morning. It would only produce a loud metallic 'clunk/ring' from the bellhousing area.

The lights seemed bright and did not dim when I did this, so I think the battery is OK.

Any ideas?

Also, can the starter be removed and replaced easily?

Thanks

[davidy]

Simon I'm afarid its a bit of a b*gger of a job, it can be done in situation.

From memory you have to remove the exhaust manifold first, then using a long extension socket and with three hands and zero visibility you can remove the starter motor bolts, then you can drop the starter motor, it may come up between the engine and chassis rails ok, but it may not! (If its the latter then you have to unbolt the engine mounts and jack the engine up just enough to get the starter motor out.

And as Haynes manual says refitting is the reverse procedure. When refitting make sure that all the starter/solenoid wiring is free of the exhaust system (otherwise you'll be doing the job again)

From your descrption you may have a problem with the solenoid not engaging properly (or even the starter relay), have you checked these?

Have you also tried starting the car in gear, or giving the engine a good rock to try and free it? It is nigh on impossible to whack the starter with a hammer because of the exhaust manifolds.

Best of luck

davidy

>> Edited by davidy on Friday 8th November 08:32

>> Edited by davidy on Friday 8th November 08:32

[SimonSparrow]

Thanks for the reply David. I tried rocking the car, but it made no difference. However, after ordering a taxi, I tried again and of course it worked.

Now I'm at work, its back to the metallic clunking noise.

I've noticed when cold over the last few weeks, the starter has made a bit of noise when dis-engaging.

Where is the solenoid?

I thought it looked like a big job to fix, I may have to go to E-TVR in Coventry.

[davidy]

Again from memory the solenoid is on top of the starter, nicely warmed up by that exhaust system (just to shorten its Mean Time Before Failure )

Its not a difficult job, just more time consuming, I would allow at least 2-3 hours if doing it yourself (most of that will be spent fighting with the manifold ), but I exepct Adrian can do it in less than 1 hour

davidy

[Terminator]

davidy said: Its not a difficult job, just more time consuming, I would allow at least 2-3 hours if doing it yourself (most of that will be spent fighting with the manifold ), but I exepct Adrian can do it in less than 1 hour

My mechanic can do it in 40 minutes but he still charges 3 hours labour

[hansgerd]

Access to the starter motor is best from underneath the car. One manifold has to be removed. Otherwise there is no chance to get the motor out, good luck.

[SimonSparrow]

Thanks guys! I've spoken to Adrian at E-TVR and he will fix it for me. Just waiting for th AA to come and take it away.......