Intermittent starter problem

[Alzey]

Very occasionally I put the key in the ignition and get a click, nothing, nada, zilch,nil. If I slip the van into gear and just gently rock it back and forth the van fires. I did put in a new starter motor about 6 months ago and new battery, I have checked the earth straps and cleaned them. Any thoughts ?

[Chunksta]

What make was your new starter Alzey?

[Alzey]

Chunksta, I don't know the make, it was a brickwerks jobbie that was £130 ish + surcharge and I changed the bush when I did it, I've checked the receipt and it doesn't say the brand, I'll slip out later and have a look, just got changed and have people coming so Mrs A will not be chuffed if I disappear under the van !

[Alzey]

Its a 1.9 petrol DG, Caravelle 1988 if that helps

[300CE]

Have you checked that the trigger wire connector that goes to the starter motor is clean and a tight fit?

[Alzey]

No I haven't yet, I'll get it up on stands this week,hopefully and check. It strikes me as strange that a gentle rock back and forth solves the problem. I think I need to read up on what actually happens when you turn the key and in what sequence. I guess I'm fishing around for suggestions and ideas before donning the overalls and getting under there again. Fortunately it's not my daily driver !

[kevtherev]

Was the bronze bush replaced in the bell housing?

It reads to me like the starter is sticking when the dog is thrown onto the ring gear if rocking cures it
Did you get the original repaired or buy something new
If new what did you buy?

[ethelred the ready]

I have recently had this with a Honda civic starter, new (reconditioned) one. Checked all wiring and earth's all fine, but would not start 1 time in 50. Took starter back in the end and they have me another which had been fine. I suspect the brushes were sticking in it, or starter solenoid but even new or recon parts can sometimes be faulty.

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[jimrat]

Hi

I had the exact same problem earlier this year. I checked / replaced all the earth braids and cleaned up the trigger wire connection, but there wasn't much improvement. Then I bought a new (recon) starter which seemed to work for a month or so but the problem came back. I then fitted a 'hotwire' relay which cured the problem.

Basically the trigger wire near the starter solenoid degrades over time, to the extent that it wont carry enough current to actuate the solenoid. Simple enough mod - there's a write up here: http://thelatebay.com/index.php?wiki/hot-start-relay" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cheers
Jim

[hardwick53]

I had a similar problem, you can see my post. Basically I ended up snipping the spade crimp off, re-crimp and rubber sleeve to slide back over the metal crimp. Much better connection and starter motor turns every time. Good luck.

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[Alzey]

Thanks for the replies, I've been bogged down at work last couple of days so haven't had the energy to drag my backside off the sofa and go look, appreciate the input and hopefully the weekend is going to be clear for me to have a look see.

[CovKid]

My money is on at least one worn out brush and/or dirty commutator. Cheap and easy to fix though. The vast majority of 'failing' starters just need cleaning out - they get full of carbon dust.