Silaxe Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 Well just got a seven a few weeks ago and after a long freeway drive to bring it back the car would not start anymore whether hot or cold ☹️ So after lots of reading on the forum, I decided to remove the starter and clean the solenoid/check the contats. It was nice and clean when I opened it and when I connect it, it snaps nicely bringing the gear forward. The contacts are also fine. The starter was very slow to turn however when I first connected it and after a few attempts it started to spin faster. It now consistently does it with speed but it feels there is some drag. 3 questions: - Is it normal that the starter is pretty hard to turn with the thumb? - Should I put some lubricant on the axle? WD40, high friction grease (mobyldene type)...? - Should I put some grease on the gear prior to putting it back on the engine? Please help - Thanks a lot - Silaxe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris W Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 Alex The starter motor should turn very easily, even by hand. Sounds like it would be worth carefully opening it and doing an internal check. The bit on which the carbon brushes sit (the commutator) looks like a series of radial slots. Ensure the gap between each slot is clean and that the commutator itself is clean and shiny. If not, lightly emery the commutator itself and pick out any crap between the commutator slots with a cocktail stick (don't use a screwdriver as you may damage the motor). Lightly grease anything that moves (but not near the commutator or brushes). If you connect a battery to the case of the starter motor and its main terminal, it should spin fast very happily. Expect a few sparks from the battery terminals as you connect it (use jump leads to make the connection - NOT - "ordinary" wire). Chris Chris 2003 1.8K SV 140hp see it here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silaxe Posted June 15, 2004 Author Share Posted June 15, 2004 Hi Chris, Thank you for your help once again. How do I actually open it? There are very large pozidrive bolts on the body of the starter as well as some torx at the back of it. What is it that I should undo? The starter is a Magneti Marelli with the solenoid on top. Thanks a lot - Alexis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris W Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 Alexis I'm not near my 7 at the moment to check (I have the same unit as you but I can't remember off hand), but I would guess the ones at the far end would be the best place to start (if you'll excuse the pun!) Chris 2003 1.8K SV 140hp see it here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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