Starter Solenoid

[P_Monty 2]

O.K. my Ph1.5 205/1.9 can be a bit hit / miss to start sometimes it starts first turn of the key, others it just sits there with not even a click from the solenoid.

I've tracked it down to the wire which switches the solenoid - or more accurately the spade terminal it pushes on to. The terminal is very wobbly and feels like its going to break off at any moment. Can this be replaced on its own, or is a whole new starter motor required? I thought I'd ask before I go to the hassle of trying to get the starter out.

 

Thanks

 

Paul

[smithy 1]

best off renewing the starter for a slim one as it needs to be removed anyway.

[P_Monty 2]

Thanks - I was kind of coming to that conclusion so....

 

The engine is already part stripped (hoses off, inlet manifold off and pushed to one side) it seems a bit silly to rebuild it to then pay a garage to strip it so I'm going to try it myself (gulp...).

Where's a good place to get a replacement from (willing to go for a re-con)?

Will I need to strip anymore bits off to get at it?

Will I need any tools other than socket set, spanners and screwdrivers?

Any 'gotchas' to look out for? ( I suddenly realised I'll need a new inlet manifold gasket and decided it'd be a good idea to disconnect the battery +ve before I put any metal tools on the main starter contacts...)

 

Thanks for any advice.

[smithy 1]

Thanks - I was kind of coming to that conclusion so....

 

The engine is already part stripped (hoses off, inlet manifold off and pushed to one side) it seems a bit silly to rebuild it to then pay a garage to strip it so I'm going to try it myself (gulp...).

Where's a good place to get a replacement from (willing to go for a re-con)?

Will I need to strip anymore bits off to get at it?

Will I need any tools other than socket set, spanners and screwdrivers?

Any 'gotchas' to look out for? ( I suddenly realised I'll need a new inlet manifold gasket and decided it'd be a good idea to disconnect the battery +ve before I put any metal tools on the main starter contacts...)

 

Thanks for any advice.

 

you will need an 8mm allen key for starter bolts,depending on age of car you may need to remove the clutch arm quadrant if it has be1 gearbox (up to left reverse) to be able to get at starter bolt.

if it is be3 (down to right reverse) you can just get the bolt out.

 

if manifold is off i dont think anything else needs to come off.

 

as for replacement not 100% as not needed to buy one yet but give GSF a try.

[P_Monty 2]

you will need an 8mm allen key for starter bolts,depending on age of car you may need to remove the clutch arm quadrant if it has be1 gearbox (up to left reverse) to be able to get at starter bolt.

if it is be3 (down to right reverse) you can just get the bolt out.

 

if manifold is off i dont think anything else needs to come off.

 

as for replacement not 100% as not needed to buy one yet but give GSF a try.

 

 

Thanks for that. Its a BE1, but still doesn't sound too bad (famous last words...)

[kyepan 291]

O.K. my Ph1.5 205/1.9 can be a bit hit / miss to start sometimes it starts first turn of the key, others it just sits there with not even a click from the solenoid.

I've tracked it down to the wire which switches the solenoid - or more accurately the spade terminal it pushes on to. The terminal is very wobbly and feels like its going to break off at any moment. Can this be replaced on its own, or is a whole new starter motor required? I thought I'd ask before I go to the hassle of trying to get the starter out.

 

Thanks

 

Paul

does it do it more when hot.. if so it may just be a corroded connection on the spade, get some wet and dry on the terminal, and in the spade itself, then connect and protect with a dab of grease, also clean up the wire...

 

to double check, when it plays up, run a cable from the positive terminal of the battery, and touch it onto the exposed starter terminal, if the car turns over, then you know it's actually the wire/ connection at the terminal, rather than the terminal itself.

 

hope this helps, i've been through this several times with mine.

 

Cheers

 

J

[P_Monty 2]

does it do it more when hot.. if so it may just be a corroded connection on the spade, get some wet and dry on the terminal, and in the spade itself, then connect and protect with a dab of grease, also clean up the wire...

 

to double check, when it plays up, run a cable from the positive terminal of the battery, and touch it onto the exposed starter terminal, if the car turns over, then you know it's actually the wire/ connection at the terminal, rather than the terminal itself.

 

hope this helps, i've been through this several times with mine.

 

Cheers

 

J

 

Cheers for that - it seems independent of temperature. As I've got the engine in bits, it sounds like its not too big a deal to get the starter right out to check the terminal. My main concern is how wobbly the terminal feels when I push the wire on...