starter motor help

[Prudie]

What exactly is wrong with the starter motor on a bit of a banger that half the time starts first turn and the rest of the time is dead until you bang the starter motor with a hammer and then it starts straightaway? does it need a new starter motor or something or is there a simpler solution? Any help please.

[sddsddean]

If its a bit of a banger, you might have a starter motor with a 'bendix' rather than it being a pre engaged type. It is very common for the bendix to get clogged with crud. TO try and resolve it, remove the starter motor (usually 2 or 3 bolts). THe bendix is the bit on the end of the shaft that spins into the fly wheel when the motor is turned. Have play with it and you'll see what I mean. Clean off all the crud with something like parrafin or diesel. You can use petrol, but obviously no smoking near it!! When its all nice and clean, re fit it. DO NOT attempt to lubricate the bendix with oil or grease as this will just attract more crud. Good luck!

[Prudie]

Many thanks for a really helpful answer.I'll see if I can get a man to try that for me!!!!!

[TWR]

Hi, with respect to your 1st answer, get someone to check the earth wire, Live wire connectors before you start to remove the starter, it could be a simple problem.

[dm1982]

probably the solenoid thats on the way out

[Hymie]

It may be that the starter motor carbon brushes are worn out.
By bashing the starter, the brushes once again make contact with the commutator.

In a short while, no matter how hard you bash the starter motor, the brushes will not make conatct with the commutator - you will then need to bump start the car (not possible, if an automatic), and replace the brushes or alternatively, the starter motor.

[ChuckFickens]

is that the spring that the first time you have to change one you end up with various small important bits of your starter motor propelled 30ft across the road into a neighbours garden :)

[SlackAlice]

That's the one :)
My son interrupted me once whilst I was doing this. The spring et all disappeared at high speed over our garden fence in to a disused sports field, never to be found!
Had to go and buy a 'recon' unit :(

[petty026]

You need a new starter I guess. Take note that the replacement should ave the same or higher cranking capacity as the original (prestolite).

[Prudie]

Thank you all for your replies. Decided to take the quickest route as MOT due next week. Got replacement starter motor from ebay and my bf fitted it for me, all is well so far. By the way this was for my daughters Citroen AX which I gave her as a present when she was learning to drive and have been lumbered with all its running costs ever since. I drive a Celica and can't fault it, best car ever for me!