Starter Motor Removal - S2
Discussion
Hi all,
Following my hot starting issue, I've taken a look around at the various earthing points, and doing several tests and research on here - I've come to the conclusion that the starter motor needs replacing and/or refurbishing. The fuel pump primes and the lights come on bright when the car is off. Everything dims and the voltage drops when I turn the key to start, so the motor is drawing power but I get absolutely nothing.
Set to work tonight to get it off. And as usual - not as easy as it sounds "remove 2 bolts and take off"!! Has anyone done this job? I've managed to get the solenoid apart, and the bottom of the 2 bolts that holds that starter motor out. But the top bolt seems impossible to get at with a finger, never mind a socket set or spanner!! The only route in from the top is blocked by the manifold...
Would also appreciate any advice on companies that supply and/or refurbish. I've seen the one in Plymouth on the useful links so will give them a call to quote.
Cheers
Andrew
Following my hot starting issue, I've taken a look around at the various earthing points, and doing several tests and research on here - I've come to the conclusion that the starter motor needs replacing and/or refurbishing. The fuel pump primes and the lights come on bright when the car is off. Everything dims and the voltage drops when I turn the key to start, so the motor is drawing power but I get absolutely nothing.
Set to work tonight to get it off. And as usual - not as easy as it sounds "remove 2 bolts and take off"!! Has anyone done this job? I've managed to get the solenoid apart, and the bottom of the 2 bolts that holds that starter motor out. But the top bolt seems impossible to get at with a finger, never mind a socket set or spanner!! The only route in from the top is blocked by the manifold...
Would also appreciate any advice on companies that supply and/or refurbish. I've seen the one in Plymouth on the useful links so will give them a call to quote.
Cheers
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
I removed my starter motor last year for better access to the engine mounts.
IIRC I undid the top bolt from underneath using a long extension, ratchet, & 1/2 " AF socket. It was quite tight!
I had the car up on axle stands with the front wheels off.
I remember finding it almost impossible to gain access from the top, as you say, the exhaust manifold is in the way.
HTH,
Glen.
I removed my starter motor last year for better access to the engine mounts.
IIRC I undid the top bolt from underneath using a long extension, ratchet, & 1/2 " AF socket. It was quite tight!
I had the car up on axle stands with the front wheels off.
I remember finding it almost impossible to gain access from the top, as you say, the exhaust manifold is in the way.
HTH,
Glen.
Edited by glenrobbo on Saturday 8th June 00:16
Maybe not the cheapest but probably a branch near you (save postage costs...they're heavy!)
As said, top bolt is a 13mm socket and long extension from underneath.
Success! She's off. Would you believe a stone had wedged itself between the bolt head and the body- hence why I was struggling. Screw driver and a lot of swearing eventually got it shifted. Also had to cut the electrical connections to the solenoid - completely crusted on (perhaps part of the problem)!
Ordered a new one from a starter motor/alternator specialist in Preston. Will link if they turn out good. Full new unit inc. postage and 20% for Mr Cameron = £98 delivery mon/tues.
Off to halfrauds to buy new cables. My car appears to have every single cable directed as close as possible to the manifold... Time for a little re-routing I think. Also saw Mike's relay solution on the other old threads so going to attempt that too. I hate electrics so wish me luck!
At least the MG is running like a dream. Probably take the long route to the shops
Andrew
Ordered a new one from a starter motor/alternator specialist in Preston. Will link if they turn out good. Full new unit inc. postage and 20% for Mr Cameron = £98 delivery mon/tues.
Off to halfrauds to buy new cables. My car appears to have every single cable directed as close as possible to the manifold... Time for a little re-routing I think. Also saw Mike's relay solution on the other old threads so going to attempt that too. I hate electrics so wish me luck!
At least the MG is running like a dream. Probably take the long route to the shops
Andrew
Hi Liam 
Productive day, but as these jobs tend to on my car - this one keeps getting bigger and bigger!! I spent most of the day unravelling the birds nest of wires that lives in my engine compartment, working out what does what, chopping out burnt bits and remaking naff connections. Also got some heat resistant aluminium tape to wrap the most critical wires in.
Only thing I'm struggling to get hold of is a long enough positive battery lead that is a big enough gauge? I got a piece that is plenty long enough, and claims it can take up to 600amps, but when I stripped it back to make a connection I'd guess that it is probably about half the number of copper strands as the piece I took off? If I complete Mike's relay modification - do you think this will be up to the job, or do I need to hut for something thicker?
Away from the car again now
so will probably only be able to continue in a couple of weekends time. Roll on the day when I have my own garage!!
Cheers,
Andrew
Productive day, but as these jobs tend to on my car - this one keeps getting bigger and bigger!! I spent most of the day unravelling the birds nest of wires that lives in my engine compartment, working out what does what, chopping out burnt bits and remaking naff connections. Also got some heat resistant aluminium tape to wrap the most critical wires in.
Only thing I'm struggling to get hold of is a long enough positive battery lead that is a big enough gauge? I got a piece that is plenty long enough, and claims it can take up to 600amps, but when I stripped it back to make a connection I'd guess that it is probably about half the number of copper strands as the piece I took off? If I complete Mike's relay modification - do you think this will be up to the job, or do I need to hut for something thicker?
Away from the car again now
so will probably only be able to continue in a couple of weekends time. Roll on the day when I have my own garage!!Cheers,
Andrew
Success!!
New +ve battery cable (re-routed as far away from the manifold as poss) fitted, and new starter motor and solenoid (bosch as a direct replacement for my lucas unit) fitted from www.westlancsautoelectrics.com
Can't complain - 98 quid including VAT and shipping and definitely knew what they were talking about.
Turned the key and growled in to life. Have been using everyday since to make up for lost time - plenty of hot starts and touch wood all looking good.
Cheers,
Andrew
New +ve battery cable (re-routed as far away from the manifold as poss) fitted, and new starter motor and solenoid (bosch as a direct replacement for my lucas unit) fitted from www.westlancsautoelectrics.com
Can't complain - 98 quid including VAT and shipping and definitely knew what they were talking about.
Turned the key and growled in to life. Have been using everyday since to make up for lost time - plenty of hot starts and touch wood all looking good.
Cheers,
Andrew
Gassing Station | S Series | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff