Crossflow starter solenoid click

[orangepeel61]

Every now and then I just get a click (single click) when trying to start the engine, second attempt it always starts (so far!). I've done the usual checks, cleaned the terminals checked earthing and voltages etc so it looks like it's the stater or solenoid.

Reading through the archives I've found what looks to be an ideal replacement with good reviews (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271765788262) and  appears reasonably priced but before I order one was just wondering whether anyone has had any joy in taking one apart and fixing it? Does it come apart and if so can you get to the contacts to clean/lubricate them?

Car is 1700 Supersprint with type 9 g/box and the starter motor looks like the 3 bolt mounting pinto (haven't removed it yet)

 

[Jonathan Kay]

Starters (and alternators) can often be serviced by local specialists. 

Compared to buying new:
• Cheaper
* Existing electrical connections will fit
• Existing mechanical mount will fit without adaptors.

Jonathan

[Jonathan Kay]

"Every now and then I just get a click (single click) when trying to start the engine, second attempt it always starts (so far!). I've done the usual checks, cleaned the terminals checked earthing and voltages etc so it looks like it's the stater or solenoid."

Does your Seven have a relay in the circuit?

Have you tried jump wiring from the battery to the solenoid as a test? (But of course the problem is intermittent... )

Thanks

Jonathan

[orangepeel61]

Thanks Jonathan,

No, it doesn't have a relay.

 I haven't jumped the battery wiring, I'm confident the wire is good and as you point out its intermittent so unlikely to fail at the moment I try.

[anthonym]

is the engine hot when it happens? And is it slowly becoming more frequent? Are your wires at least 10cm from the exhaust primary(ies)? (mine aren't). I replace the main and solenoid wires as service items, keeping several made up for those occasions. 

I second the local repair shop idea. The one I used is/was in Kent near Bean... someone might be along with the name.    Anthony

[orangepeel61]

No, quite the opposite, only when cold (so far) but I'll check the proximity of the wires anyway thanks.

I suppose it is getting more frequent but not much, it's been doing it for a while.

[rkeywood]

Another vote for taking it to a local repair / refurbish outfit. The last refurb I had done a couple of years ago was £45 including a new solenoid. The ebay starter would best be described as cheap and cheerful and not what I'd call lightweight. An Edge or Powerlite gear reduction starter might be the way to go if you want a lightweight upgrade but they are expensive.

[Jonathan Kay]

If it gets more common at least it will be easier to diagnose!  

I'd include a failing starter switch in the possible causes. And I'd test that by disconnecting everything from it and measuring the resistance between the input feed and the output to the starter while wiggling the key in the starter position. (Or equivalent if you have a separate starter switch.)

Jonathan

[SM25T]

#5 .... It was Bexley Starters and Alternators in Bexleyheath.

[orangepeel61]

So I took the starter motor off, no manufactures name or part number to identify it. (Other than it has a ten tooth drive)

The solenoid is riveted together so i couldn't do anything to take it apart and get at the insides.

The motor came apart ok,  the commutator and brushes had a small amount of wear/burning so cleaned them up, everything else looked ok so cleand, oiled, greased and reassembled. Tested on the bench and refitted to the car.

Checked the resistance of the wiring all the way from battery terminals to stater motor main feed and the control wire through the ignition switch.

Car started fine, time will tell if it's done any good but on the plus side it looks like I got it back together ok.

I'm now confident that if I get the "click" again it will be replace/overhaul time.

[Terry Field]

Depending where you are, you cannot beat Curd Bros in Tunbridge Wells. Old school engineers who do a brilliant refurbishment job.