20 replies to this topic

[bigrob]

Thanks so much for your help guys. I'll go on the scrounge for one

[Alex_B]

Those black bits which look like magnets arnt, they are carbon brushes and need to make contact with the communicator, I had starter issues of it just clicking because the brushes were worn and didn't make contact anymore, I don't think that will help you much but worth checking, i just spaced them out a bit more in mine :)

[bigrob]

Oh i see thanks. Yeah they dont appear to be sitting close enough for very much contact anyway. If its the original starter motor, the engines about 30 years old so its done pretty well!

Edited by bigrob, 14 September 2013 - 11:49 PM.

[KernowCooper]

The brushes need to be running on the commutator and the segments between need to be clean and free from any particles from the brushes, hacksaw blade or similar and carefully scrape out, dont use anything to wide.

[ECRyder]

I Have a 1979 Mini 850 with an inertia starter motor ( I think thats correct)

I have a grinding noise which clearly happens AFTER the motor has done its job of starting the engine and continues for a very short time thereafter. 

I suspect the throwback of the pinion against the small dampening ring is the cause - but whats the cure? The manual suggests not oiling or fluid greasing any part of the starter as it collects dust from the wearing clutch and leads to starter failure later on.

Any thoughts?  I have the 9 tooth pinion which Im sure is the correct one.

[Spider]

I'd suggest removing the Starter and cleaning the Bendix, move it up and down on it's spiral while cleaning it. I agree with the advice of the manual that you shouldn't 'wet' lubricate these as it's in the same space as the clutch plate and so will pick up dust from it, causing it to grind a bit on the spiral and then jam up much sooner.

I used to leave these dry, but you can put some Graphite in it for lube.

Feel the action of the Pinion on the Spiral, it needs to be smooth moving in and out on both flanks of the Spiral. Also, check the front Bush in the starter Motor, I suspect that maybe worn not helping matters.