Series 3 starting problems

Series 3 starting problems

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Discussion

elan159

Original Poster:

13,421 posts

224 months

Thursday 13th April 2006
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Just bought a series 3 from Ebay, which has been fitted with a replacement engine from an early 90, and which I'm having some problems starting.

After a brief stop on the way home it developed a loud grinding noise which disappeared after a minute or so, but the next day the starter just whirred without engaging when I tried to start it. When I whipped the starter off the bendix was badly chewed, so I imagine it was stuck in mesh for a while.

Replaced the starter with a defender pre engaged one (i.e. the same type that was already fitted) and that too just whirred when I tried to start the Landy. The next day all seemed OK though and it started fine.

Now it's given up again - either it won't engage at all or it will engage briefly to give the engine about half a turn but then kicks out again. I've stuck a new battery in, but no difference.

The starter ring on the flywheel looked OK when I had the original starter off, although I didn't check all the way round.

I had to loosen the solenoid on the new starter to get it on past the exhaust down pipe - could I have messed something up doing this?

The wiring appears OK - connecting straight from the battery makes no difference and the RAC man who towed me home on Sunday did a voltage drop test which was OK - he suspects the starter.

Sorry for such a long winded post, but any opinions before I dive in again with the spanners?

Is it likely to be a faulty replacement starter or am I likely to be pulling the engine out to change the starter ring - or is there some other possibility that I haven't thought of?

Any thoughts greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
Simon

bluespanner

3,383 posts

230 months

Friday 14th April 2006
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Im afraid that its the sort of thing that without having a look myself, i havnt got a clue.

Anyine else?

elan159

Original Poster:

13,421 posts

224 months

Friday 14th April 2006
quotequote all
OK, sorted it - the bendix on the starter wasn't engaging properly. Opened up the solenoid and aligned it properly and it works fine now.

Just need to put a new exhaust on and give it a service and I'll be away!

Cheers
Simon