Working on a Rover V8 engined Westfield that hasn`t run for 18 months. Been trying to get it started and to be honest the starter motor has had some hammer (got hot). The starter is now just whirring but not turning the engine over. I`ve removed the starter and checked it across battery terminals. It spins and throws out the cog ok but when back on the car just whirrs again. Am I right in thinking that under load (ie turning the engine) it can`t generate enough power? Perhaps I`ve burnt it out somewhat?
Any suggestions?
Nick

The solinode has a switch at the back, when it first gets volts the arm throws out the cog, when in mesh the second switch in the solinode gives you full power.

If its just whirring then it sounds like the cog is not getting thrown into mesh.

[Edited on 6/3/11 by mark chandler]

Off the car it is definately throwing the cog into mesh position and then spinning the cog but then when fitted back on the car it`s not turning the engine over. I`m wondering if the solenoid isn`t generating enough power once it`s thrown the cog forward to spin the engine over? The starter was fully reconditioned about 12 months ago by the previous owner of the car which makes me think I`ve overloaded it by cranking it too much.

As above, when the solinode is pulling the gear into mesh it shunts the motor so limited power, when the solinode hits the rear of the housing it strikes a push button switch that puts full battery power into the motor.

I have goosed a few starters in the past on rangerover/landrovers when drowned with water, the later high torque motors are smaller and much more powerful than the old ones.

They usually spin the motor over slowly when on the way out, have you tried a known good battery, if its stood then the cells may have died.

Regards Mark

If it seems to be engaging, but the starter just spins without turning the engine, it's quite likely that the one way clutch on the pinion gear is goosed. If it's ok, with the starter out, turn the little gear with you fingers, one way should just turn, the other way it should turn the starter motor armature as well. If it's dead then the gear will spin both ways.

If it is that, they're not expensive and quite easy to change

Ian

[Edited on 7/3/11 by Oddified]

Took the starter to my local reconditioners today. They tested it on their test bed and again all seemed well. I asked them to investigate further inside due to it not working under load and bingo! Inside there is a Nylon large cog, inside of which fit 3 smaller sundial cogs. The main large Nylon cog had stripped all of its teeth! They replaced the part within 15 minutes and I was on my way. Just need to fit back on the car now but thought I`d let you guys know the outcome. It always helps. Thanks for your efforts again though.
Nick