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Starter problem

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davester

davester

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On my Mk III, the starter works about 95% of the time. That other 5% the solenoid clicks loudly but the starter doesn't spin. This is generally fixed with a light rap to the front of the starter with a BFH. Although I always carry the requisite BFH or similar with me in the car (this is required equipment, right?), it would be nice to clear this up. Is there any simple fix likely other than purchasing a new starter?
 
A set of brushes and a soldering iron.
 
Sounds easy enough. Is that one of those "99% sure that's the problem" solutions or are you shooting lower than that?
 
the bendix might just need a real good cleaning - or, you might have a dead spot on the starter
 
IF the starter doesn't spin, the no-start is not the Bendix.
Unless it's jammed against the flywheel teeth, in which case, rolling the engine backwards is the only way to free it up, not a BFH,

Hammer application generally means the brushes are toast, and you are "dancing" them down to the commutator.
Dust and crud can be holding the brushes in the guides, but if that's the case, they've worn down past their usable life anyway.

BIG solder gun, or one of them HUGE irons we used to use on radio chassis.

Get some brushes, get your iron and solder, pull it out and tear it down.

Do NOT wash the field out in solvent, as, if a Lucas unit, the insulation will go away and you WILL have smoke.
Clean all your terminals and you'll be set.

If you have a manual, it will show you how to "seat" the brushes to the commutator.

It will work without doing that, but works initially better if you do.
 
Take a look at the end of your starter. Some of them have a wrench flat on the shaft . Instead of hitting it with a hammer try moving it back and forth with a wrench. If it gives resistance then clunks when you do this its the bendex if it moves freely it probley the brushes as stated above.
 
And, some Lucas have a plug covering that hex end.
Don't lose the plug/cover!
 
davester said:
Sounds easy enough. Is that one of those "99% sure that's the problem" solutions or are you shooting lower than that?
Click to expand...

If, as you've stated, the BFH application results in a spinning starter then the brushes are the "99% sure" likely issue.

And indeed a BIG soldering iron. Cleaning the innards was a given here, as it will be apart. Clean the comm with some red ScotchBrite.
 
Take out the starter, pull it apart, and I'll bet you'll be horrified by the condition of the brushes and the amount of dirt and gunk that has built up.
 
OK, that sounds like a good project. I'm sure there won't be much dirt and gunk in there...after all, the starter is only a few decades old. :jester:
 
Wish I was only as old as that starter. You know you can get new ones from the auto store. They were used in some mopar product in 1064, cheep to.
 
Ummm.... Almost the time of Charlamagne, Jack!!! :devilgrin:
 
Bah, 1964, got me Doc.
 
DrEntropy said:
Ummm.... Almost the time of Charlamagne, Jack!!! :devilgrin:
Click to expand...

you mean Charlamagne drove a Mopar? I would have guessed him as a Mustang kind of guy. :whistle:
 
I used to rebuild stuff, but $55 for a new lifetime unit, I don't waste my time anymore.

I've wrenched on crap all my life and I'm over it.

so what did I do........I bought a Midget to help me "relax".

Bad plan.
 
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