replace starter motor?

[rainman]

My van has been a bit moody about starting for years but I thought I'd solved the problem the other day when I cleaned the connections on the starter and it worked beautifully, until today. Should I bite the bullet and shell out on a new starter? I'd love to have the problem fixed but would be very annoyed to go to all that hassle and expense if it wasn't necessary, or worse if it didn't actually sort the problem.
Are the starter and solenoid one unit? I think the starter itself must be ok as it turns fine when it does work so I'm guessing it's the solenoid that must be at fault.
Any advice in really simple terms would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

[VWCamperfan]

Not too sure of your problem here but I'll try to help out...!

Does the solenoid click when ignition key is turned but the starter doesn't turn? If this is the case then either the short braided connection between the solenoid and the motor is at fault or possibly the connections in the solenoid aren't making contact.
The above symptoms can also be caused by a bad earth (either at the motor end ie. bolts loose, or at battery end) or a bad live supply (connection at solenoid or battery again).

If you turn the key and no click can be heard from the solenoid, then the push fit spade connector on the solenoid could be loose or dirty. Could also be a loose crimp connection where the cable goes into the spade connector.

If when you turn the key the motor spins but doesnt turn the engine then the pinion and clutch assembly that slide along the shaft of the motor may be sticking part way along. Clean and lightly lubricate the gear assembly and shaft where it slides along to engage with flywheel. Startor motor will need to be removed for this.

Hope this helps.

[rainman]

Thanks, I can't be sure about the clicking solenoid as the bloody thing is so far from the ignition key but I reckon there is maybe some clicking going on. Fairly sure there's no spinning and am hoping it's down to bad connection somewhere. The Fact that it turns so nicely when it does work makes me hope there's nothing wrong with it.

[VWCamperfan]

Oh, sorry, forgot to add... Starter and solenoid are two seperate units! Well, they can be when a couple of bolts are undone!

[Aidan]

ime it's normally the contacts in the cap on the end of the solenoid that go, all that big current arking over the years, so I get my local auto electrical repair man to do a full rebuild service on the whole starter, it's cheaper than a solenoid on it's own and ensures it's all good for another good many years. Our soleoid has a crimped on cap which requires good tools to open and swap over and our cap has an unusually long stud too, not many places stock it, but it's still readily available through trade.
usual sign is a hesitancy, then a reluctance, then stubborness, then failure
do the front bush on a petrol at same time, should come with a good recon unit.

[Rozzo]

the little bronze bush can cause things like this too m8. only pennies but well worth changing as it keeps everything in line and free to turn mine spins over like a helicopter since fitting a new bush

[ghost123uk]

the little bronze bush can cause things like this too m8. only pennies but well worth changing as it keeps everything in line and free to turn mine spins over like a helicopter since fitting a new bush

Same here

The bronze bush can be tricky to get out as access is very limited.
I tried "extracting it" with a "Rawl-bolt" ( I read it some where ) - I then tried other methods, I then smashed it to bits with a hammer and metal shanked screwdriver = that worked

Soak the new one in oil for 24 hrs before fitting.

P.S. - don't try runn ing a WBX starter off the vehicle, it will wreck it as it ony has 1 bearing inside ( the other being the above mentioned bush in the engine housing )

[ermie571]

usual sign is a hesitancy, then a reluctance, then stubborness, then failure

Aidan, another comprehensive and fully explanatory post - thank you.
Ermie has done hesitancy, moved into reluctance and now on occassion is bordering on the stubborness. Have spare starter...that is going on this weekend!

Many thanks

Em
x

[rainman]

Thanks for the advice folks, I'm actually now veering towards replacing it as I'm off camping next Thursday and have limited time to faff about and would really like the reassurance that I'm not going to be stuck in a field with a non-starter. The tip about not trying off the vehicle - does that apply only to wbx? I was thinking this would be how I'd test it before sticking it on. If that's not advisable, how else do you test them?

I don't like the sound of this bush removal malarky, I can see that's going to be fun with much swearing and scraping of knuckles.

[ghost123uk]

The tip about not trying off the vehicle - does that apply only to wbx? I was thinking this would be how I'd test it before sticking it on. If that's not advisable, how else do you test them?

It is the same for Aircooled. not sure about Diesels though.
You cannot test them off the vehicle, but as fitting / removing only takes 10 mins, that is the best way to test

I don't like the sound of this bush removal malarky, I can see that's going to be fun with much swearing and scraping of knuckles.

Yeh, a bit tight around there, take your time, get a torch, stop when you start getting fed up and have a cuppa and go back to it. One problem is I found it hard to tell if the bush was actually in need of replacement. Mind you, many suppliers of these starters provide the bush with them (if not they are very cheap anyway, like £1.95 or summat) so I guess it is recommended to change them as a matter of course. Don't forget the 24 hr oil soaking. I think there is an entry in wiki about it, or a quick "search" for "bronze bush" or "starter bush" will find other folks input on the matter.

Oh and disconnect the battery before starting work of course !!