Startiing problem

[richard.w]

Not had a problem before, started perfectly last week. Today however doesn't want to know. Ignition light on, amber light on then nothing.Battery seems fine, lights are bright. Took hammer to starter motor in approved fashion, which has brought a high pitched whirring noise, doesn't sound like my old Morris 1000 when the starter motor went pear shaped. Sounds more electrical than mechanical if you see what I mean. Grateful any advice as to what I should be looking for. Thanks.

[Grun]

Franklyn,

It sounds as if the pinion on the starter motor is not engaging with the ring gear on the flywheel. The solenoid on the top of the starter pulls an actuating lever which pivots at its centre and moves the starter pinion into mesh with the flywheel teeth before the full battery voltage is applied to the starter motor windings in order to spin the engine over.

Just as well to check all the electrical connections at the starter, but the whirring sound is what seems odd. I am assuming (amber lights) you have a diesel, and my starter knowledge is based on the waterboxer, so could well be a slightly different starter.

Mike

[richard.w]

Mike, humble apologies for seemingly ignoring your response to my posting. Sadly I fell foul of two projects, the bathroom and the camper. The bathroom won and I more or less stood the van up. Happily I'm back to it now and in the process of removing the starter. I've put in a new posting as I'm slightly worried about what I'm doing. Again, my apologies.