17 replies to this topic

[beardylondon]

So this is in regard to my Mk1, engine is A+, bored to 1293cc 1500 miles ago and fully rebuilt by Bromsgrove Engine Services. I was using an old starter motor that was circa 20 years old until Feb 2019 when that failed (local auto spark said the brushes were worn) and I bought a new one from Minispares.

 

I have covered around 200-300 miles with this new one, it had a bit of odd noise from new but I thought nothing of it, as the old one I took off was 20+ years old, so I thought this must be how they should sound.

 

Last Sunday I took the car out for a run and it started up. When I went to make my return journey, it wouldn't fire, then there was a short grinding noise. So I called the AA, he tested everything and said it must be the starter and I was bump started and drove home, without stopping.

Only when I got home and took the starter off did I find out it was per the photo below.

 

I went to Minispares and they said they had only ever seen this (see below photo) when an engine was Hydro locked, my engine certainly isn't, as I drove home.

 

Anyway, they sold me another one, and I fitted it, and it works fine.

 

I asked Minispares to send off for investigation, and this is there reply:

 

 

"We have very low return rate for this starter motor. The current return rate is less than ½ % (half Percent)

There are few reasons for a Nose cone to break.

 

1.         If the starter is not fitted & aligned properly with the ring gear it may cause starter nose cone to break.

2.         Engine backfire has the potential to damage the nose cone.

3.         Excess Vibration from the engine & long engagement of starter pinion with fly wheel may also cause this.

 

We would also recommend checking ignition timing.

We can assure you that the starter motor has passed through various quality checks prior to release therefore it is absolutely up to the standard."

 

 

1.  It is fitted correctly, I mean it seats fine and I it ran for hundreds of miles with no issue!

 

2. ​ It hasn't back fired.

 

3.  I can't think why there would be excess vibration.

 

The engine was rolling road tuned and obviously ignition timing all set by Novatech, so I have no issues with that.

 

I have no beef with Minispares, obviously they are just selling what they are supplied.  I am more interested in why this might of happened, and to prevent it happening again.

 

 

 

[cal844]

That looks like a bad casting crack as it is relatively clean. Is there a small bearing on the end of the shaft where the broken casting would fit?

[beardylondon]

Yes there’s a roller bearing in the end, you can just see it if you zoom in.

Edited by beardylondon, 14 October 2020 - 04:26 PM.

[richmondclassicsnorthwales]

A point to note is that you were already running an old starter unit - with no issues - such as a broken nose - or breaking the nose of the old unit.

 

Your engine has had work, and you still run with an older starter.

 

Then you fit a new starter, and this happens ?

 

I know what I think    -    bad casting associated with stress from the pinion /  spindle 

[greenwheels]

I bet somebody dropped it, causing a tiny crack that grew to a break.

[cal844]

I bet somebody dropped it, causing a tiny crack that grew to a break.

I wonder if the bearing has seized in the case somehow, then moved the wrong way to break the cone?

I'd push them for a warranty replacement or repair at the very least

[beardylondon]

Thanks All.

[Steve220]

Those starters are utter garbage. I've had 3 now and all have broken in one way or another on different cars.

[bpirie1000]

Those starters are utter garbage. I've had 3 now and all have broken in one way or another on different cars.

Which supplier... or are you the existing 1/2 percent and the most unfortunate mini starter motor owner.....

[pete l]

Could it be the selonoid that's coming out a fraction too far and hiting the nose  ?

[Steve220]

 

Those starters are utter garbage. I've had 3 now and all have broken in one way or another on different cars.

Which supplier... or are you the existing 1/2 percent and the most unfortunate mini starter motor owner.....

 

Probably lol I've had the same starter from Minimine and P&L minis. Same box, same starter, terrible. I now have genuine ones on both minis.

Edited by Steve220, 15 October 2020 - 03:29 PM.

[beardylondon]

@steve, where did you purchase your genuine one from, and what manufacturer, if any, is stamped on it?

[Steve220]

@steve, where did you purchase your genuine one from, and what manufacturer, if any, is stamped on it?

One was the original from the Van, the other is NOS. I'll get a pic of the label.

[beardylondon]

Despite repeated emails to Minispares they still haven't got back to me with the findings from the starter motor manufacturer.

 

In the meantime I remembered I had an audio file of the car starting a few months before it failed. So the first clip is how the old one used to sound before it failed, and the second clip is the brand new one that Minispares sold me and which is now installed in the same car, and running fine.

 

https://drive.google...iew?usp=sharing

Edited by beardylondon, 16 November 2020 - 02:36 PM.

[Maccmike8]

Just a thoroughly poor service.