Solenoid to chassis clearance

[SteveOS3]

I have traced a rattle to what I think is the solenoid clattering the vertical chassis tube that resides next to it. I think it started happenning after I replaced the starter motor a month or so ago.

The rattle happens if I accelerate hard in first or second or when I have to ride the clutch to turn off the lane and uphill to my garage. I'm guessing the engine rocks just enough on it's mounts to cause the impact.

Here's a photo' taken from directly above the starter.



The clearance is about 3-4mm. Is this normal? Does any have any ideas about possible packing I could use to protect the chassis paint coat from being damaged?

Many thanks,

SteveO

[Barkychoc]

Was the starter motor the same as original or bigger?
It might help if you replaced the engine mountings if they are a bit saggy.
I think there are different types of engine mounts (rubber compound) and some are firmer than others.

Edited by Barkychoc on Sunday 3rd August 22:33

[SteveOS3]

Barky, I'd only had the car two weeks and was in a rush to get it back on the road so I didn't compare the sizes when I bought the new one. The place I got it from told me that he'd supplied them to S owners so I just went with it.

I still have the original so when my garage is built in a month or so I'll drop the new one and compare more precisely. Replacing engine mounts would be a nice job for the winter, right now I just want to drive......

SteveO

[ketvrin]

as a temp measure it is possible to slip some shims in between the engine mounts and the chassis that will lift the engine until you can replace the mounts - takes half an hour only to do both sides...

sweet-talk Ken (Clarenceboddiger) for some freebies - they worked for me - thanks again Ken

K

[clarenceboddiger]

ketvrin said:

as a temp measure it is possible to slip some shims in between the engine mounts and the chassis that will lift the engine until you can replace the mounts - takes half an hour only to do both sides...

sweet-talk Ken (Clarenceboddiger) for some freebies - they worked for me - thanks again Ken

K

SteveOS3,
No probs , if you want some shims let me know I'll stick em in a jiffy bag

[SteveOS3]

Thanks Ken, some shims would be great.

I'll send my details to you.

SteveO

[tozerman]

On my S3c there is about 2cm of clearance from the solenoid to the chassis ! In your picture the solenoid looks new, have you recently replaced the starter motor ? if so are you confident it is the correct one ?
Cheers.....Tony..