Club 80-90 Forums

Argh, I just don't know what Im looking at...I tried to take some photos, but quite difficult with dog poo smudged on one side of the kerb and parked on a steepish hill...okay, so I got underneath and here is one photo.

Is THIS the starter motor?

Basically yes. The smaller cylinder is the solenoid (the bit that actuates the starter motor, a bit like a VERY heavy duty relay). The larger bit it is bolted to is the main part of the starter motor, i.e. the motor itself.

Again, please be careful with using tools around those heavy wires if the battery is still connected. You can't get a shock off them, but you can get a lot of big sparks in your face or even set fire to the wiring loom. You can even blow up a battery = not nice. Take the earth lead off the battery, as mentioned further up

PS, on my van at least, you can reach the terminals, especially the solenoids trigger wire (the smaller diameter wire with the spade connector on it) from the engine bay (with a bit of leaning in ) I recently (~4 months ago) did just that job, cut off the dodgy spade and corroded wire and spliced in a new bit with a new spade. I did that from above.

Hi Ghost123uk, thanks so much for your help...I was starting to look up mobile mechanics in my area because I've lost faith in doing it myself, I suppose I'm a bit scared of electrics - but like you say, as long as I've disconnected the battery, then that shouldn't be a problem. It is GREAT news to hear that I might be able to access it from the actual engine bay because I don't feel like I have any room to manoeuvre under the van and I'm only a wee girl at 5ft!

It's begun to get dark out and I've still not fixed it.

Your help is much appreciated, thank you

Ok, so I've tried as much as I can to get to the starter motor - but it feels like the chassis is in my face and I can't physically move my hands/arms to the right position - even going in from the bonnet.

My options are : Homestart with the AA - but do they just get it going and not actually fix it? Or mobile mechanic that I've never used before...

I'll bet the thinner wire is off solenoid (has a spade terminal on the end). You could use a small mirror and a torch to check it. Seems a shame to call out someone. Anyone near to you who can shufftie underneath and check for you? My starter video may help. Its the 'trigger terminal' that I point to that is probably disconnected:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNKSeAAd3rk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks Covkid - that video actually has helped to put things a little more into perspective for me.
It does seem awful to have to call someone out, which is why I've taken so long to decide to do that because Im getting annoyed at myself!
I might have another go Wednesday morning (next time off work) - with a torch and mirror, like you suggested ..thank you

Yep, don't give up just yet. You'd give yourself a smidgen more room with a jack pumped up enough to give you a few extra inches clearance and you'll probably find the wire dangling somewhere. Its a terrible weakness on these as well as bays and bugs and a relatively easy fix. Its possible spade is damaged and will need replacing but you should be able to secure enough of a connection to get it started and move the vehicle so you can get to it more easily. I must have done that job in excess of 100 times in 25 years.

Thanks for your support

Lay some cardboard underneath - save the cold on your back. Wearing glasses is an advantage as invariably bits of mud/grit fall on to you.

Take care with a jacking on a hill though - can you move it somewhere flatter? Maybe it will be ok if just a few inches and wheel not off the ground..

+ Chock front wheels if taking weight off back, use axle stand(s) don't rely solely on jack to keep it from bouncing down onto your face... ok health and safety lecture over!

If you go directly behind the yellow warning sticker on the photo below (enlarge it up if you can) you can just see the starter motor there:

I spent many years scrabbling about to get under the van. Buying ramps was worth every penny and saved me a lot of time and effort but as said already, use them on the flat.

Thanks again everyone - unfortunately I live on a steep hill (thats Hastings for you!) and there is no safe place to put the van (if I had to push it) for quite a while, so I'll have to work with the hill! I think I'll invest in some ramps though as it sounds like a good idea.
Day off work tomorrow so will be trying to get to that damn starter motor again - ill keep you updated
Thanks all

The other way (as mentioned) is to disconnect battery, remove engine hatch and in old clothes, lay right across the engine and feel back of starter. Its easier with air filter off (three small nuts hold it on). You're really trying to ascertain if that thinner wire with the spade terminal is even connected. They tend to fall off or work loose. If you're lucky you can gently squeeze spade so its a tighter fit.

If wire is in place and firm, it may be the other end (ignition switch).