Starter not engaging in the flywheel after engine transplant

[Holliesdad]

Hi, I have a very perplexing problem with my Autohomes Kamper. I have gone through two engine transplants from Cs to jx to 1y. Each swap involved moving over the same flywheel and starter. Occasionally since the last swap (to the 1y) the starter wouldn't engage and in order to start the van I had to rock it in gear to move the flywheel on a bit, and off I went. Recently a gearbox seal went and the clutch started slipping so I bit the bullet and pulled the gearbox off and replaced the seal the flywheel and the clutch kit. I thought all of my problems would be solved by this but they got worse. Now the starter will only engage every second or third time. I brought the starter to my local auto electrical specialist and had the bendix gear and bearing replaced (along with the brushes for good measure) but this was to no avail. Since my troubles started with the 1y, I am thinking that there may be an issue with the flywheel position (too near or far from the starter?) Has anyone else had similar issues.The van is a 1991 Autohomes camper the engine is a 1.9l 1y which came out of a Caddy. Help much appreciated.

[silverbullet]

Insufficient power to starter to make engagement always makes me suspect the solenoid and all connections associated with it, inc. condition of earth braids and any corrosion present between starter and clutch housing, regardless of engine type.

[Holliesdad]

Thanks Silverbullet,
Now that you mention it the solenoid is the only part of the starter that hasn't received any attention. I will know soon if its the starter because another sync head over here has loaned me his to try, I will check all the connections while I'm at it. I will let you know how I got on.

[Holliesdad]

No Joy with the alternative starter, Back to head scratching

[ghost123uk]

Is it just clicking, or can you hear a healthy whirring from the motor spinning?

A low voltage to the starter can cause it to either just click, or click and produce a weak whirring noise (with the starter's dog not engaging)

Try measuring the voltage at the battery whilst attempting to start it, then measure again, this time at the big terminal on the starter whilst attempting to start it. Let us know the two readings.

Also try, getting a jump lead (just one) and connecting it from a bright bit of engine to a bright bit of body (the tailgate catch on the body, near where your "personal bits" are when leaning into the engine bay is good). This creates a good earth and if it improves matters, shows that your engine to body earrh cable is in need of replacement / attention.