Weak starter motor fault - anyone know the exact cause?

Post by **RJES** » 24 Jun 2006, 11:38

Hello,
I have dismantled a T25 starter motor which has the very common 'weak starter syndrome' - i.e. it struggles to crank the engine over, especially when hot. I was expecting to find some obvious problem, but the brushes, commutator, and both rotor and stator windings and insulation look OK, as are the bearings.
Does anyone know what the cause of this problem is? what about the starter current 'relay' contacts in the starter solenoid? Thanks,

Richard

Post by **Grun** » 24 Jun 2006, 12:34

Richard,
Have a look in wiki (top of page club 80 -90 forums) and find and click on 4.3 Petrol specific engine faults / repairs / maintenance, then find and click starter motor bush removal. I have not had this problem but sounds likely to be the cause of yours. Also may be worth a search of the techy pages , it seems to crop up quite frequently.
Good luck,
Mike

Post by **bigredbus** » 24 Jun 2006, 13:48

I believe a common cure is to check/replace/tighten and clean up, the positive feed to the motor. It's a long run from the battery.
brb

Post by **Ivorblueun** » 24 Jun 2006, 18:57

could well be poor contacts in the solonoid, if you short the terminals - 2 nuts with something suitably heavy such a pair of pliers and it spins up ok then the problem is in the solonoid assuming the voltage on the spade connector is good when the ignition is turned above 8v IIRC.

Post by **RJES** » 24 Jun 2006, 23:36

Thanks for the replies. it's definitely not the bush, but could be the solenoid contacts. It's difficult, if not impossible to short them in situ, as it's in a syncro, so the plastic tank is almost moulded around the starter. I'l; carry on investigating.....

RICH

Post by **HarryMann** » 25 Jun 2006, 01:22

Richard,

If the starter appears OK when off but not when fitted, the transaxle mount earth is sometimes the culprit - not a bad idea to have two braids, as well as the engine one. They're not a lot of dosh from GSF - about £70 I think with a bit of club80-90 discount

But then I've got a recent GSf reconned one... check your mail.

Post by **Don-Tucker** » 27 Jun 2006, 13:08

Just called in to see my man who recons starters and asked him,he says it's the field coils,they can break down.
Hope it helps Don

Post by **Andyvandy** » 29 Jun 2006, 21:41

Had a problem with mine. It turned out the battery was down to 50% capacity. Changed the battery and all was well. If the van was used regularly the battery just about managed to power the starter but if it was left a few days it really struggled.

Andy

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Weak starter motor fault - anyone know the exact cause?

Weak starter motor fault - anyone know the exact cause?

Re: Weak starter motor fault - anyone know the exact cause?

Starter Motor