4 replies to this topic

[Minwah]

'79 Mini 850...inertia starter motor I believe.

I've been avoiding fixing my starter motor problems for some time as it hasn't properly caught me out (yet). I have two intermittant problems:

1) Turn key and just get a click. I assume the starter motor is stuck.

2) Turn the key and get a click, and a whirring/spinning noise. I assume the starter motor is spinning but is not properly engaged.

A couple of times the starter has stuck for a while and I've managed to free it by rocking in gear, or with a hammer.

Presumably I could do with a new starter motor, but I am concerned about no. 2) - why is it sometimes not engaging? I would think this is probably to do with the solenoid so I should get one of these too, but can anyone confirm?

Many thanks!

[IainR]

It sounds like the gear that engages with the flywheel is sticking.

If it jams on the ring it will click, if it spins but not engages the pinion is sticking before it reaches the flywheel.

This is caused by the clutch dust jamming the pinion, if you remove the starter ckeck the pinion slides out and snaps back into place. Chances are your one will either slowly unwind or stick. By washing in petrol you will clean most of it out for a while (don't use oil or WD40) but the only answer is to remove the pinion by compressing the spring and releasing the circlip, clean everything thoroughly and reassemble.

I don't think it has anything to do with the solenoid.

[The-Womble]

I had this problem for a while - where the starter sounds like its spinning but not engaging.

Solved the problem by simply charging the battery - obviously there was just not quite enough power to spin the flywheel.

Give your battery a charge/try jumping the car and see if that helps.

[Minwah]

Thanks for the replies...

I must admit even when the starter is working the car doesn't want to start for a long time (I don't drive it much). That said when I have jumped it a few times it started straight away.

I am going to get a new battery today anyway so I will see if that improves things.

I bet what Ian says is probably also the case so I might have a look at that as well when I get a chance.

Thanks again

[Minwah]

Replacing the battery didn't help.

I removed the starter motor and the pinion seemed nice and free but the gear edge was worn down. Also the motor itself felt not very smooth and lumpy.

Replaced the starter motor - all good