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Is my starter motor on the way out?
scudderfish - 20/1/11 at 01:32 PM

When I crank the engine, I get a loud clicking noise from the vicinity of the starter motor, approx 5-10 times a second. The engine turns fine and starts, but it is disconcerting. Getting it out will be a right bugger so I wondered if anyone had any opinion before I go to that faff only to find out it is OK. Engine is a 3.5L Rover V8

Regards,
Dave

[Edited on 20/1/11 by scudderfish]

MK9R - 20/1/11 at 01:37 PM

battery on the way out?

scudderfish - 20/1/11 at 01:44 PM

Battery has a good voltage, and the engine cranks at a good speed, so I don't suspect that (yet), although if it was failing to keep the solenoid energised I think it would make a noise like the one it does.

r1_pete - 20/1/11 at 01:51 PM

Check the low current solenoid connection, if dirty it can intermittently release the solenoid.

Snuggs - 20/1/11 at 01:51 PM

Either faulty solenoid or bad solder connection on the solenoid.

I believe the solenoid actually has 2 coils.
1 to engage the starter and 1 to keep it engaged once the starter starts turning.

I had the same issue about a month after having my starter refurbished.

jossey - 20/1/11 at 01:57 PM

battery or earth.......


dave

Snuggs - 20/1/11 at 02:00 PM

quote:
Originally posted by scudderfish
Getting it out will be a right bugger.

[Edited on 20/1/11 by scudderfish]



A repair will probably cost between £15(solder joint) and £35(solenoid).

A brand new replacement is available on the bay of E for £65-70

RazMan - 20/1/11 at 05:06 PM

Almost certain to be the solenoid - that the only thing that will click like that. However a flat battery will make the solenoid seem faulty but if you say it turns over well then it is probably a dirty connection in the solenoid itself.

scudderfish - 23/1/11 at 06:30 PM

Bugger.

I re did the connection to the solenoid (from underneath the car) and it made no real difference. To give the solenoid a proper work over, I'm going to have to get the starter out. That probably means taking the exhaust manifold out. Just to make things more interesting it uses hex socket bolts to mount the starter motor so my usual socket extensions can't get them, and I have no suitably sized allen keys

[Edited on 23/1/11 by scudderfish]