Starter motor advice

I

IvanDobskey

Member
My starter motor has really started grinding badly on start up. I've already had it removed and greased with no improvement. Would replacing it definitely sort the problem? Also, anyone know what make the oem one is? Bosch I'd guess?
 
Grind as in not engaging correctly? Or grind as in its struggling to turn the motor? If its the first, then it could either be a duff starter solenoid or the motor's not recieving the correct voltage (ie the car's sat for a long period). Changing the starter motor won't necessarily solve it, you need to find out why its doing it in the first place.
 
So the spigot wheel isn't retracting? Its on a spring, so i'd say its weak, which replacing the motor would solve, yes.
 
I have this, esp on cold mornings. Sounds JUST like in this video:

http://vimeo.com/36426038


Advice I had was to release key as soon as engine catches and starts, holding the key in 'ignition' position longer than necessary keeps the starter turning and leads to the grind apparently...?

This works for me, fixing effect vs root of problem I appreciate, but it does work.

S
 
Yep, I do this to limit the grinding. Still get some sometimes though. Want to get it sorted before it gets really cold.

I read somewhere that damage can be done to the flywheel eventually if this isn't fixed.

Seems like the oem part is a Bosch. Euro car parts charge £199 for a Bosch motor with £85 refundable when taking the old one in to be refurbed. I'd guess my local garage would charge about £60 for fitting so probably a total cost of £175. Not too bad.
 
I get this same noise too. Almost like finger nails down a blackboard!

No matter how fast I release the key it still does it, although only ever in colder weather. Weird.
 
Makes sense to me that the retractor spring is even weaker in cold weather. It should be possible to just source a new spring and place it in your starter. This is part of the refurb process, though I have no idea of what's involved in actually performing this procedure past the obvious take it out and disassemble.

The wear on the flywheel is probably minimal, but over a long period of time, it will be evident. I would fix it simply because the sound would drive me crazy. I may still consider replacing the whole unit, I reckon the electrics will fail at some point anyway.
 
It's a bit embarrassing to get in my flash BMW sports car, turn the key and have that noise :oops:

Reckon the whole unit would have to come apart to change the spring so I'm not sure it's worth the hassle. Bet the flywheel will be damn expensive to replace so reckon I'll get the motor swapped out soon.
 
Bosch starter motor reserved, car booked in at my local Indy for the work. Total cost is going to be £134, so not too bad at all really :)
 
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