Printable Version | Subscribe | Add to Favourites
New Topic New Poll New Reply
Author: Subject: Is my starter motor man enough?
rayroni

posted on 21/12/05 at 01:07 PM Reply With Quote
Is my starter motor man enough?

Been trying to start my 1600 xflow with an inertia starter of unknown origin (it fits and engages).

Problem is, when I turn the engine over with plugs in the starter can't handle it - barely turns the engine. With jump leads it even drags the revs down considably on the donor car. Also get sparks from the back of the starter motor.

I assume it is either that the motor needs referb or its the wrong type.

1: How can you identify a 998 Fiesta one from a 1600 Escort?
2: Can you get spares kits?
3: Typically how much can you expect to pay for a recon one?
4: Anyone recommend a supplier in the Nottingham/Derby area?

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
ditchlewis

posted on 21/12/05 at 01:16 PM Reply With Quote
Sorry I cant help with an answer, but i have been having the same problem with a 2.1 pinto. so i am interested in any answers.

the only thing to consider is have you got a good earth connection?

Ditch

View User's Profile E-Mail User View All Posts By User U2U Member
russbost

posted on 21/12/05 at 01:38 PM Reply With Quote
Fit your jump leads, +ve to supply side of solenoid, earth direct to body of starter, if this makes no difference starter is almost certainly knackered - which if it has sparks jumping around inside would seem highly likely!!
Inertia starters were very cheap, don't know what availability is like now, I would suggest an "A1" motor stores shop if you have one anywhere in your area - I think they are nationwide. I'd guess at around £20 for a recon.
Cheers Russ

NOTE:This user is registered as a LocostBuilders trader and may offer commercial services to other users
View User's Profile Visit User's Homepage View All Posts By User U2U Member
David Jenkins

posted on 21/12/05 at 01:42 PM Reply With Quote
A few random thoughts...

1. Is the battery fit, and fully charged?
2. Are all live connections clean and tight?
3. Are all earth connections clean and tight (especially the one between the engine block and chassis)?
4. Was the weather really cold when you tried it? 20W50 oil is like treacle in this weather, and my X-flow would hardly turn over the other day.

If you feel the need to buy a recon starter, try Partco - they supply everyone else! I paid around £40 + VAT (exchange) for a starter that looked like it was brand new. You could buy one from a scrappy - but you might have even more trouble! At least the Partco came with a warranty.

BTW - these things can be overhauled, if you follow the instructions in Peter Wallage's car electrics book - if you can find spares like brushes, that is. If it's sparking, that might be all it needs, together with a cleaned-up commutator. If you haven't got a clue what these words mean - go buy a recon unit!

David

[Edited on 21/12/05 by David Jenkins]






View User's Profile Visit User's Homepage View All Posts By User U2U Member
rusty nuts

posted on 21/12/05 at 02:30 PM Reply With Quote
Some Xflow engine had a preengaged starter fitted as standard . May be worth checking the teeth on the ring gear when starter is off . It may be you have the wrong type of starter ? Inertia starters had a chamfer on the back of the ring gear (clutch side) IIRC . Also doe's starter turn engine over easily with plugs out? If so then it sounds like you have overadvanced ignition timing. . Sparks from starter is down to faulty starter. As for starter problem with 2.1 Pinto , if you need a replacement starter try one from an automatic if you can find one . (Old tip from CCC)
View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
02GF74

posted on 21/12/05 at 02:35 PM Reply With Quote
quote:
Originally posted by rayroni
Been trying to start my 1600 xflow with an inertia starter of unknown origin (it fits and engages).

Problem is, when I turn the engine over with plugs in the starter can't handle it - barely turns the engine. With jump leads it even drags the revs down considably on the donor car. Also get sparks from the back of the starter motor.

I assume it is either that the motor needs referb or its the wrong type.




there are two unknows here; the starter motor origin and its condition.

How does it spin without the plugs?

some comments.
Not sure if sparks inside the motor is a concern; you have a multi-segmented commutator that passes over a contact; there will be sparks when these go past; you can see this happening inside your black and decker drill or any other motor.

The dropping down of revs is saying you are drawing a big current (usually when you jump start the other vehicle is meant to be revved at about 2,000 rmp).

You may have a bad connection to the motor, earth etc. Once you have tried starting it, put you hand over various parts: wiring, motor, solenoid to see what is getting hot - you are disspiating a lot of power that is not being converted into motion hence it must be heat.

Many years ago I forgot to put the earth lead to the block; found this accidentaly when brushimg my hand against the accelerator cable that was hot - the starting current was going though that!

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
rayroni

posted on 21/12/05 at 04:51 PM Reply With Quote
All connections 'I believe' are ok, battery is sound. It is an inertia type flywheel. It was probably about 4degs in garage at the time, but it was really slow turning over and the large drop in revs, kind of concerned me.

Without plugs in it does spin faster, but not as fast as I thought it would/should.

Do get your point about sparks on motors, however the sparks are coming from where the main shaft emerges from the backplate - and about 1/2 to 1 inch long in length (visable)

Have wedged the throttle pedal to give 4000rpm on supply car and it brings them down massively on attempted xflow start.

Might be worth looking at earths again (had jump leads to battery posts - not to engine).

What are the toughts on the sparks - would we expect sparks with a bad earth?

Cheers as always chaps!!

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
rusty nuts

posted on 21/12/05 at 05:28 PM Reply With Quote
Sounds to me like the starter is passed it sell by date , recommend a reconditioned unit , less hassle than doing it yourself . A bad earth would get hot and may arc out but I've never seen a bad earth cause a spark to jump a large gap.
View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
tks

posted on 21/12/05 at 07:23 PM Reply With Quote
no i would think the same

also i think that your startes

consumes allot of power more that it should..

and the reason an 4000rpm engine goes down is because the alternator is fighting for his live!

how much HP do you think you get at 4000rpm? lets say 20Hp..(wich would be low..)

then if the revs go down... you are consuming 20HP and thats allot!!

4Kw=5Hp sow you are consuming 16000watss of energy that means

1333Amps(means unlimited)...i'm sure that your starter is bad...

allot more of what a normal alternator delivers..

Tks





The above comments are always meant to be from the above persons perspective.

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
rayroni

posted on 24/12/05 at 08:31 AM Reply With Quote
Marvellous got a recon one and it turns over a treat.

FYI - Couldn't get one from Partco so went to car parts direct - £45

Thanks Andy.

View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member
rusty nuts

posted on 24/12/05 at 09:00 AM Reply With Quote
Glad to hear you have a result.
View User's Profile View All Posts By User U2U Member

New Topic New Poll New Reply


go to top






Website design and SEO by Studio Montage

All content © 2001-16 LocostBuilders. Reproduction prohibited
Opinions expressed in public posts are those of the author and do not necessarily represent
the views of other users or any member of the LocostBuilders team.
Running XMB 1.8 Partagium [© 2002 XMB Group] on Apache under CentOS Linux
Founded, built and operated by ChrisW.