Got a bit of a strange issue with my starter motor. Over the last few weeks it's been quite sluggish to start after being sat overnight or for a few hours, taking a couple cranks to go. 

I usually drive my car once a day but left it for 2 days over the weekend, and when I went to start it, it didn't crank at all. Just clicked when I turned the key. 

I've had a similar issue in the past when the exciter wire broke off, as is common. I fixed this issue and glued the wire into the motor so it can't come off again. 

At the time I was able to start it by hitting the starter a bit, which I did again this time and it worked. 

The battery is only a couple years old and had 12.6V so I'm pretty sure that's ok. 

 

Does this point to a faulty motor now?

I don't understand why leaving it would make the problem worse though.. can anyone shed some light?

 

Thanks, Chris

Disconnect and clean up the main engine earth connection, typically attached to top starter motor mounting bolt. 

Tapping "correcting" the issue could point to stuck brushes or a faulty solenoid. I have just had this issue on an aircooled VW with a starter that turned out to be the solenoid, not throwing the pre-engage in or supplying the power to the brushes, which I replaced. But I also found one of the brushes tight in its holder which probably explains the lazy starter. Best option, if you are confident, take the starter off and try it off the car although this will not test any starting torque required.

 To get the brush plate back in after cleaning, I fitted it over a socket who's outside diameter was the same diameter as the commutator which made it easy to retract the brushes in their holders on a bench, allowing the plate to be slid down the socket into position without having to try and push the brushes back in their holders while fitting to position. In this instance a replacement new solenoid was only £22.

Edited 12 April, 20233 yr by KeithCheetham
Re-assy tip

Thanks for the advice guys, had another look at it today with my Dad. He spotted that sparks were coming from one of the connections when I cranked it over. We then discovered that the connection didn't have a nut on it. Put a new one on and it's all good now! 

 

3 minutes ago, Chris_19 said:

We then discovered that the connection didn't have a nut on it

😮

 

Which one? Pic?