Starter Motor Maintenance

[laneychief]

Hello again!


As of late, I've noticed the starter motor isn't quite doing it's job like it should, now I've done all the tests and read a lot of the old posts on here about what to do and deduced it's probably my brushes, so I'm going to take the starter motor out, and have a little look and a clean around.

My question to you, is it necessary to remove the distributor before taking the starter motor off, as I'm worried about messing up timing and stuff, I've been following a Haynes manual, which is usually really good but it's a little unclear at this point.


Once I've removed it I'm going to check said brushes and clean it with a bit of petrol on a rag, hoping this will help my problem.


Any input welcome, cheers.

[mogbob]

No need to remove the distributor to remove the starter motor.Do... disconnect the battery first.
You might want to remove the distributor cap and HT leads to give you more room to play around.If you do
don't forget to mark the leads 1-4 (to the spark plugs ) from the radiator end to back of the car so you can put it back OK.
You will need a socket and spanner, 9/16th AF size.It's a nut and bolt set up and you'll need the combination of two sockets/spanners to stop it revolving.
Remove the thick cable from the starter, holding the inner nut firm with a thin spanner and undo the outer nut.Don't strain the stud.
Remove the bottom bolt on the starter first, jack up the car safely on axle stands and get at it from underneath.The starter motor will stay there quite safely while you undo the top nut, spring washer, etc.Leave the motor hanging on just the bolt, put down the bits , spanners, etc and then whilst cupping the motor in one hand remove the second bolt.It's not "over heavy" compared to some cars but it is not light either,be prepared.Note the electrical connection/ orientation in relation to the engine.
Take the starter motor to the bench.When re-assembling connect up the battery last thing.
Bob

[laneychief]

Thanks Bob, as soon as I get a little bit of dry weather I'll give that a go.


Edd

[laneychief]

Ok, followed your instructions and removed the starter motor, lovely and simple!


New brushes needed, very worn down, so ordered some in from esm and will probably get back to you as I've never changed brushes!



Thanks again

[bmcecosse]

Are they 'side-on' brushes (easy to change) or 'end-on' brushes - which require a LARGE soldering iron to change....

[laneychief]

Erm not sure, when I took it apart to clean they came out quite easily, there is a bit of solder on the terminal screw on the inside with a wire on it.

[laneychief]

http://mmoc.org.uk/mbimage.php?src=1248282121_5754

They look like that


Are these the right ones I need for new? http://morrisminorspares.co.uk/shop/pro ... b3592eaf3f


Thanks

[bmcecosse]

Yours are the end on type - the ones you show look like the side type.......

[laneychief]

Ah esm only had those, being not very mechanical I foolishly assumed there is only one sort of brushes?


Where can I source the other type from?



Thanks very much

[laneychief]

So do I need these?


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 1924wt_922



Must get hold of esm to cancel that order if so!

[bmcecosse]

Yes! And they look as though they may not need soldering - but I'm not sure, I've never fitted that type. But actually - the brushes in your starter don't look too bad - a good clean up will work wonders I think!

[laneychief]

Yeh I didn't know they came with the terminal screw, no soldering needed.

That's a picture of someone else's starter motor that is exactly the same as mine, except my brushes are definitely worn down!


Thanks for your help!

[Alec]

Hello L C,

they are not that worn, still a lot of life left, just clean up and make sure they are free to slide in the brush holders.

Alec

[bmcecosse]

Ahh right - that's not YOUR starter motor...... I would pick up another starter and stick it in the car meantime - then fit new brushes to your own without rushing the job.

[laneychief]

Yeh, it's ok I don't need to drive it for a while, so I've got plenty of time to crack on with it, thanks very much for the help, I daresay I'll be back once fitting the brushes has commenced with more mundane questions.


Everydays a school day!


Cheers boys!

[bmcecosse]

You can still drive the car - that's what the handle is for.....

[laneychief]

I never got a handle with it when I bought it, it was a state. Must find one of those now I think about it!

[laneychief]

Right then!

New brushes installed, not too hard really.

Motor back in car, and hey presto, she starts!


It's not perfect every single time, (did a lot of starting to test it) but its like 10000% better than it was!

At least now if it goes dodgy again I know how to fix it!


Thanks for all your help guys.

Edd

[mogbob]

Edd
If you did

" a lot of starting to test it "

your enthusiasm has given the battery a bit of a work out.
Starting is the biggest drain on a battery.Now that you have cracked the problem, I suggest you either take the Moggie out for a good long run or pop it on the battery charger overnight.

Well done and keep the " more mundane " your quote or complicated, if you like, questions...coming.The forum team are always up for a challenge, especially when owners learn something new/ fix it themselves and express their gratitude.
Safe motoring.
Bob

[laneychief]

Right, thanks bob!


Will bung the battery on, what a numpty!


Cheers!