K series starter motors - what to do

[Toby S]

Hi All

1992 1400 Supersport with Magnetron starter motor - back plate housing bolt and threaded screw shaft seem to have long since gone on one side just leaving a hole and the back plate housing is rattling around and I think causing shorting

Choices seem to be either to have the magnetron starter refurbed or go for, it would seem, a Brise or Wosp replacement which seem to be circa £250 ish. Starter is quite old although seems to work OK when cold and its not shorting

Is refurbing worth it ? any idea on cost ?

Any other recommended replacements

 

 

[TomB]

I had problems with my 1.4 starter with my exhaust, as the primary’s were frying the solenoid. On my 1996 era engine, the starter had the solenoid on top of the starter, and it was only millimetres from the manifold. So I ended up fitting a standard 1.8 starter from a later Caterham which had the solenoid underneath the starter. Not had a problems since. I didn’t need to go to Brise, Wosp or powerlite - just a big standard Caterham starter. 

[SM25T]

Is it just fasteners missing ? Does it work ok ? Just replace the fasteners. A local auto electrical workshop should be able to overhaul the unit quickly and easily. Or contact Chris at Redline to see what he has in stock ... sales@redlinecomponents.co.uk

[Toby S]

Thanks guys

Got it refurbed in the end -  motor and gearing was checked and was in good shape -, solenoid a bit fried and was replaced with additional heat shielding round it and the cowling/plate attachments all fixed - £95 quid all in so saved myself a few quid - should be back Monday/Tuesday.

I'm intending to wrap the exhaust primaries whilst the starter motor is off from block to side skin in titanium lava rock exhaust tape to reduce heat in the area which hopefully should avoid problems going forward - some say it may also help performance although not the primary reason.

Much of the wiring around the the starter motor seems a bit stiff and brittle and given it probably the original wiring from 29 years ago, I may as well rewire at the same time and replace all the main cables (use the cash I've saved on the starter motor).

Proper Job