Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 09:50 am, by: Brenton Trafford(Traff)
Hi all,
Has anyone had any experience removing/working on the Starter Motor? Mine is starting to play up and I am pretty sure it's the solenoid. Every now and then when I try to start it she just clicks and clicks and clicks and this can go on for several minutes until it starts. It'll be fine for days on end and then just decide to do it again.
From what I've read on the site the starter motor is in a very awkward position and can be a pain in proverbial to get at. I was hoping someone had gone through similar issues and worked out a good way of removing the starter motor? Pics would be VERY helpful as well if possible...
Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 08:27 pm, by: Mike Bradberry(Halflife)
Brenton, have you tried the obvious and checked all your connections as any one of these can give you poor current flow. Also have the condition of your battery checked as well. Sure is a lot easier than removing the starter first up.
Hi guys, thanks for the input. I have had the battery checked at my friendly mechanic, he says it's fine and believes it is the solenoid. I have yet to check the earths, but will be doing that on friday (I've got the day off, yay!). I'm assuming Mike that is what you mean by checking all the connections? If not, a bit more information would be GREATLY appreciated. I'm not the most mechanically able person, but I have been able to accomplish most of what I've done in the past following instructions from this site.
Thursday, July 19, 2007 - 06:04 pm, by: Mike Bradberry(Halflife)
Yes, Brenton that is what I meant by the connections. Remove and clean (with wet and dry emery paper) the battery terminals and trace the earth wire to where it connects to the body of the car, remove it and clean both the anchor point and the cable end. Some people use a little vasilene to smear on and wipe off after they have cleaned these parts to leave a very thin film so as corrosion is less likely to occur in the future. Make sure all points are nice and tight (without stripping threads). Try starting and see how you go. If no improvement, then yes it looks like it's going to be the solenoid or a failed starter.
Thanks Mike. Didn't get to it on Friday and will be a few more days until I can. It's a bit strange, it seems to be affected by the temperature. If it's a really cold morning (which we've had plenty of here lately) it will be a beyatch to start. If it's warmer or if the engine bay is warm from running, it'll start first time most of the time. Does that indicate anything?
Tuesday, July 24, 2007 - 02:13 pm, by: Mike Bradberry(Halflife)
The motor is a little easier to turn over with thinner oil. The oil is thinner when warm. Still sounds like one of the problems I suggested. Are you sure about battery condition? Maybe you want to have it checked again.