32 replies to this topic

[Xon]

Electronics die, it happens.
You might as well check whether the starter is even getting power before you go replacing things. When you say relays start clicking, do they continue to click, or just click once when you try and turn it over?

With mine the battery died, but it died because the alarm started earthing on the chassis and drained the battery.

Oh, have you tried push starting it?

[Adam]

I honestly haven't done anything other than the battery, which was 5+ years old. Terminal needs replacing, and has for a while. It's rooted.

Will know more tonight/tomorrow when I have time to inspect in the light with proper tools

The relays click as you try to crank, just like if you have a flat battery.

[Xon]

The relays click as you try to crank, just like if you have a flat battery.

Right, that sounds less like the problem I had then.
Multimeter on the starter to check if it's even getting power sounds like a good place to start to me though.

[Adam]

Starter motor.


Gave it a hit best I could with IC on. Nothing.

Cleaned terminal right up. Nothing (the replacement was too big) nothing.

Took off IC, gave starter a good love tap.

Fired her up.


So I should take it off and clean it? Or get a replacement?

[RX25SE]

If a tap got it to start, it sounds like dirty solenoid contacts.

A good clean cant hurt and will be great learning experience. Pay attention to the two copper contacts in the solenoid that connect the battery lead to the motor.

[Adam]

So I just pull it all down? There's not a real way to stuff it?

[RX25SE]

Pull it out and take a pic.

Anything can be stuffed up if you are not careful. If you pull it apart slowly and make notes or take pics along the way, you should be fine.

Besides, what's the worst that can happen? Your car gets stuck on a hoist in the garage for a few days.

[Adam]

Lol, on a hoist!

As long as I don't open it and thousands of springs don't go flying out, I'll be right!


Contact cleaner, or throttle body cleaner?

If all else fails, I'm sure Ben has hundreds of them lol

[RX25SE]

Here are some pics that may be helpful.

There are a few different designs of starter, but the principals are the same.


Cross section






Brush plate
The coil spring hold the brushes on the commutator. Make sure the brushes are not worn out and are still pressing on the commutator.






Solenoid contacts
This is likely to be the cause of the problem.
You can see the two copper contact plates in this pic are burnt and pitted. If you are not going to replace them, clean them with coarse emery and try to keep them flat.
They contact a copper ring on the starter plunger to make the connection. Make sure this mating surface is in good condition also.









Just watch out for any springs or small parts that may jump out at you as you pull things apart.





edit: LOL at the spring comment.

[Adam]

Heaps of info!

Thanks Jase!

[Adam]

Starter motor. So simple!

I need a new brush plate, bit o dust and corrosion in there and one brush was jammed, and close to its end! It's working for now, but not a permanent fix!

[RX25SE]

Feels good?

[Adam]

Feelsgoodman!

Thanks jase