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Starter Help Please.......

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NardisCNC

NardisCNC

Senior Member
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So, it appears the OEM Lucas starter on my '66 Midget is on the fritz. The alternator is charging, the battery is new, but lately when I go to start the engine the battery acts as if it's dead half the time. The other half, the car starts right up with plenty of power. Now I'm gun-shy. I don't want to drive the car until I get to the bottom of this problem.

My question is this.... Is there a starter type or brand that is considered to excell above the others?? I was noticing the gear reduction starters from APT. Speaking in terms solely of reliability and function, are the gear reduction type better starters? A certain brand / source? What about rebuilt OEM Lucas starters? Any input is greatly appreciated!! I also am not concerned about spending extra money for quality parts btw, that is, if it's justified.
 
Sounds to me like it may be a poor ground
Check the braided ground strap from the engine to the chassis, it's located under the car, close to the middle near where the engine meets the trans.
This is normally a greasy oily spot, so remove the strap, and use solvent and a wire brush to clean all the mating surfaces
Phil
 
taskadog said:
Sounds to me like it may be a poor ground
Check the braided ground strap from the engine to the chassis, it's located under the car, close to the middle near where the engine meets the trans.
This is normally a greasy oily spot, so remove the strap, and use solvent and a wire brush to clean all the mating surfaces
Phil
Click to expand...
Or a dead spot on the commutator. Mine did that all the time until I took it apart and cleaned the commutator and changed the brushes. It's a new replacement starter(not NOS)with a sticker on the side proudly saying "made in India". Purchased from one of the usual sources :smile:
 
I don't see any mention of the starter solenoid.

I would proceed by changing the solenoid (the Ford-style one is cheap) and clean all of the connections from the battery to ground and the solenoid and to the starter (and inspect the cables for corrosion under the insulation). If this does not help, target the starter itself.
 
Grounds are all good. The starter in it, is a used original Lucas I took off an early 70's midget. So, it probably does have a life span?? So back to the question about the gear reduction starters and what about a quality replacement when the time comes? Thanks!!
 
My Lucas did the same as yours, I cleaned it all up & although it was better, half the time it would just turn over realy slowy.
I binned it & brought a reduction gear one. Expensive, but worth every penny for the reliable starting. Not a single problem since. I think it came from Moss, or AH spares.
Love it.
 
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