non starting

[steve c]

hi, cars has started to play up and not start, it would appear to be dead at the starter, checked all connections, all earths etc. all ok. when i try to start, i get an solid clunk from the solenold, but nothing from the starter, question is , does this sound like the starter or solenold, ( should the solenold clunk so loud ) does a clunk mean its working or not. thanks steve

[steve c]

sorted!! stripped the motor off, cleaned the pinion ect with brake/clutch cleaner(very dirty) checked power supply down to starter, tested the starter in the vice, (spun great) refitted , and all ok!! apart from the dirt and muck, its a mystery.

[MarkyB]

Did you look at the brushes?
Also what condition were the teeth on the Bendix gear?
Maybe it had jammed and taking it out released it.

[bmcecosse]

It was jammed - hope you didn't put any oil or grease on the bendix - that's what attracts the muck!

[steve c]

not sure about it being jammed, i had rocked the car in gear several times, and also i was able to turn the starter pinion prior to removing, only cleaned the bendix etc with brake cleaner, ( it was realy thick with oil/greasey muck) and i did not apply any fresh oil. this had been an intermitant problem for the last few days prior to complete failure.