TR2/3/3A 1959 TR3 - dying starter?

[NutmegCT]

Decided to take the TR out on the road after winter hibernation. I've kept the battery on a maintainer all that time.

Checked the car over, no obvious problems. Primed the fuel line, set the choke, ignition on, pushed the starter button.

Starter turned just as fast as always - but in about two seconds, dropped to what seemed to be half speed.

Hadn't fired yet, so I turned off the ignition, then turned back on and pushed starter button again.

Same thing - starter turned fast, then dropped to half speed, but during the "slow" starter turns, engine fired and started right up. But fearing the worst, I didn't go on the drive.

Is this a symptom of a dying starter? dying solenoid? dying battery? driver paranoia?

Thanks.
Tom

 

[TR3driver]

Could be almost any of those; but my guess is bad battery. Check the electrolyte levels if you can; if one cell is notably lower than the others, replace the battery. Otherwise, I'd look for a shop that can check it out for you. Around here, O'Reillys Auto Parts will check it for free, on the car. Or you can remove the battery and take it to the counter for testing.

 

[tomshobby]

Might try a volt meter on the battery while trying to start the engine. If the meter goes from full charge to 10 volts or less while the starter is turning and then jump back when the ignition key is released the battery is suspect. Otherwise I would suspect the starter brushes and springs.

 

[NutmegCT]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll have a chance to check this out on Monday.

Tom

 

[vivdownunder]

If it isn't the battery, check that the starter motor rear bush hasn't dislodged. Sometimes they sit inside the end dust cover, or drop out altogether if the cover is missing. Check that the heavy cable is tight on the starter terminal. Check that the battery earth cable on the firewall has a good connection. Could be the starter brushes are dirty or need renewing.

Sometimes the internal contacts in the solenoid carbon up and cause a voltage drop to the starter.

Viv