engine wont turn over...part 2

[akikolajoie]

Ok, so i got the starter out easy enough, took it apart and cleaned it a bit. Everything actually looked really clean. All the brushes look great. Put it back together, tested it and...nothing, just like when it was on the van. I assumed that if the solenoid was bad that the starter would at least turn. I am not sure what the issue is. Could a bad solenoid cause me to get nothing at all on the starter? Is the starter itself just done for? I am really not interested in spending another 100 quid to get this thing going. Is there somewhere I can go to get the starter tested? any ideas are welcomed and appreciated. Thanks.

[ghost123uk]

Ok, so i got the starter out easy enough, took it apart and cleaned it a bit. Everything actually looked really clean. All the brushes look great. Put it back together, tested it and...nothing, just like when it was on the van.

Never try and run the starter motor off the van !!
The bearing at the cog end is still in the engine housing so the starter shaft is only supported at one end !!

You can easily test the solenoid by noting if it makes a noticeable click when the key is tuned to start.
If it does, then it it likely working and you can test if there is 12 volts going to the terminal on the actual starter when the key is turned. If there is then the starter is shot. If that is the case, I bet you could easily get one from our "wanted" section for not too much cash.

If the solenoid does not click it may be shot or maybe there is no power getting to the small relay terminal.
A test meter is handy here - do you have one and are you OK in knowing how to use it ?

[akikolajoie]

I do have a test meter and can use it ok. the solenoid was clicking at first when it was on the van. I tapped it with a hammer and it turned over fine. it then quit after that and wouldnt do anything. I am pretty sre I am getting 12 volts at the starter. I tried tea=sting the starter off the van with jumpers and nothing. i think it may be best just to get a new starter.

[ghost123uk]

Yeh, although you shouldn't fire up the starter off the van as said ^^^ the fact that it did nowt does indicate either the brushes are shot or the windings are open circuit. Billy739 on here usually has spares like that at a fair price. A post in "Wanted" will also get you one.

[akikolajoie]

Ok, The solenoid is engaging and causing the gear to pop out like it is supposed to when I arc from the main post to a smaller post. When I arc across the 2 large posts I get nothing. I am guessing the starter motor itself is gone. I really appreciate the response ghost123uk.

[ghost123uk]

When I arc across the 2 large posts I get nothing.

Not the 2 large posts, you want the one that is connected by the heavy red cable that goes to the solenoid and the negative lead to the case of the starter ("earth").

Trying to picture a starter motor connections, I'm thinking they usually only have 1 terminal
Unless the other one is firmly connected to the case as an "earth" ...

Anyway, it is still not recommended to test it off the vehicle because the shaft (and therefore the windings) is not supported at one end and any violent movement by applying power can / will damage the windings or the stator etc.

[akikolajoie]

Yes the second large post I am speaking of is connected to the case itself. I know it may damage it but it cant get any worse right now I think.

[..lee..]

if the solonoid is throwing then its fair to presume thats ok. if the starter is not turning over then either the brushes are shot OR you may have a dead spot on the armature. if you use a multi meter on the opposite poles of the armature you can test for continuity. i think my replacement starter has this fault as its failed to start twice now so i`ll have to sort the origonal anr refit it.