Starter motor on the blink?

[00mike00]

I’m not having much luck at the moment, first the heater matrix, now the starter!
Shortly after I had performed a coolant change, for some reason the starter motor failed to kick over the engine.
It sounds like it spins but doesn’t engage, if I try a couple more times, it fires up. Is this a solenoid or return spring issue?
Is it possible I can rectify the issue or is this just a sign I need to order a replacement?

[M4rkp]

This could be a couple of things......

What state is your battery in? - there might be enough power to turn the motor but not enough to throw it far enough to engage.

- more than likely the inertia pinion on the shaft has dried up and stuck so its not engaging with the flywheel.



If you get the starter out I think the problem will be apparent!

[Duffy3074]

Lordie me!

These things happen.

The starter mechanism can spin without catching, it's often caused by carbon from the clutch clogging up the mechanism. Take the starter off, give it a good clean using a decent liquid cleaner and refit. It should be fine.
You'll want to look at the teeth on the starter and the flywheel whilst you are there to make sure there'd nothing more untoward going on.

[00mike00]

Originally Posted by M4rkp

This could be a couple of things......

What state is your battery in? - there might be enough power to turn the motor but not enough to throw it far enough to engage.

- more than likely the inertia pinion on the shaft has dried up and stuck so its not engaging with the flywheel.

If you get the starter out I think the problem will be apparent!

Ok, the battery certainly has enough life in it, it’s also fairly new.
I’ll check the connection tonight. Is it possible to clean up and grease the inertia pin?

[Duffy3074]

You take it off and clean it. A very small amount of lubricant is okay, too much attracts carbon/dirt and causes further problems down the line (but usually only after lots of miles).