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Starter motor verdict.
Posted: 28 Jul 2015, 20:55
by normal rules
Ok. I've read the wiki. My baby n was starting intermittently at turn of key. The solenoid clicks so I believe it's doing what it should. I removed the starter, checked the bushing, which looked fine. Cleaned the commutator and checked brushes. Cleaned up and checked all connections. Put back together, started up no probs first turn of key. Left it a couple hours, went out to move on drive, turned key, solenoid clicked, nothing.
I did notice when I had the starter of that the whole drive shaft wobbled somewhat. Is this ok or is there an internal bearing that wears out.
Is my starter kaput. 30 yrs old 90,000 miles? Or is there something I am missing?
Re: Starter motor verdict.
Posted: 28 Jul 2015, 21:28
by Winnie Bagel
Have the same problem, can not find what's causing it. Seems to make a difference if I leave it switched on for a while before turning to start but not guaranteed!
Tried going through all the earth connections ect. but nothing seems to make any difference. Totally random, can work without any problem all day but fail the next day. Thankfully not failed completely yet but a real pain in the ass!
Any luck with yours?
Rob
1988 2.1 Petrol Injection.
Re: Starter motor verdict.
Posted: 29 Jul 2015, 06:02
by CovKid
Solenoid internal contacts corroded (in answer to first question). Sorry, on my way to work.
Re: Starter motor verdict.
Posted: 29 Jul 2015, 06:37
by ghost123uk
normal rules wrote:I did notice when I had the starter of that the whole drive shaft wobbled somewhat. Is this ok or is there an internal bearing that wears out.
That is normal. The starter motor itself only has a bearing at one end (the blunt end) the other bearing is in the bellhousing, the "bush" that everyone (correctly) says often needs replacement. This is why you should never test the starter motor off the van, as the shaft is only supported at one end and so running it off the van causes the insides (armature etc) to thrash around, damaging itself.
Re: Starter motor verdict.
Posted: 29 Jul 2015, 18:06
by normal rules
Going to bite the bullet and take it to my local auto electrical specialist who offer a refurb service on starters
I had it off the van again tonight. Wired it up to check solenoid function - nothing. Wired it up to test main motor function, nothing although it did rotate a bit for a short while. There is clearly something amiss.
Can't test both together as I'm told it could damage the internals because these starters don't have internal bushing at the drive end.