Problems starting

[tomlucke]

Hi
Grateful for any advice.
I'm having problems starting my traveller (1275 ital engine)
The starter motor really labours and sometimes the starter motor gets stuck in the ring gear and has to be shifted out with the car in top gear.
The battery is a new one (same problem with old battery) and the problem occurs even after an overnight trickle charge.
I've tried a known good battery from my convertible with the same result.
Every now and again the starter will labour for a while and will then suddenly spin freely and the engine will start straight away.
After a run of a few miles it will sometimes start straight away and other times will start labouring and get stuck in the ring gear again.

Any ideas?

Thanks
Tom

[lambrettalad]

sounds like it could be that bendix needs a service,take the starter out see if the cog spins on the shaft and the spring isn't gunged up.If so clean but do not grease it!
Might want to check the bushes whilst it's out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKjdnQ0sHQc

this might help

[MarkyB]

While you are at it see if any of the battery or starter connections are getting hot and the choke cable too.
If the choke cable is getting hot the engine needs a better earth path to the chassis.

[bmcecosse]

Yes - I was thinking bad earth too..... Assuming the engine is not 'tight' - does it turn ok on the handle? Otherwise as mentioned - time for a good look at the starter.

[Jefftav]

Is it a new starter motor? I had 3 before I found a starter motor that worked properly. Also if the ignition is a bit too advanced it can be difficult for the starter to turn the engine.

[bmcecosse]

Good point Jeff! If you feel it 'kicking' against the starter - retard the timing.

[tomlucke]

Thanks everyone
I've tried 2 starter motors so far,
I spent some time cleaning the bendix and the most recent one did seem to move freely (no grease).
I haven't checked the bushes.
I'll recheck all the earths.
I did wonder about the engine being tight. I haven't got a starter dog but I can turn it on the crank pulley by hand with the plugs out and it seems reasonably free. The engine was put together by a reputable Cornish engine company several years ago after a rebore, crank refurb etc.
Maybe I'll look for another starter motor.

[bmcecosse]

Quick check would be to use jump leads directly to the starter from the battery - if it spins easily that way them earths/battery connections/even the solenoid ( ) will need checking.

[tomlucke]

Just tried that and same result with direct connection to battery...barely turns the engine really struggles.

[bmcecosse]

And you are sure the ignition isn't kicking back against the starter? Just for interest - could you try with the Ign off to see if it spins more easily. And if you apply jump leads from another car with running engine (get the polarity right!!) - does that make a difference? Any chance the battery is draining overnight?

[chickenjohn]

Are these new starter motors you've tried or both second hand units?? If so they could both be knackered, i.e. worn brushes. (I have a small pile of these waiting to go to the local recon man!)

If you have not done so already buy a brand new starter motor - available delivered for about £70 http://morrisminorspares.co.uk/shop/pro ... 04a3a758fa

I recently was called out to a Marina suntor with a 1275 engine that was struggling to start. Symptoms were exactly as you describe. The Minor starter fits these and yes it was worn brushes. These don't look too easy to replace right at the bottom of the casing (if they are even available) so a new starter motor had the owner up and running again!

[bmcecosse]

The end-on brushes are available - and can be renewed - with a BIG soldering iron! I much prefer the earlier starter with side brushes, easily changed with a screwdriver!

[tomlucke]

I think it was down to the timing
Retarded a bit and turns much more easily
They are old starter motors...maybe I'll get a new one

Thanks as ever

[bmcecosse]

Kicking against the starter indicates FAR too far advanced ignition. And it will soon break the starter bendix! Check the dizzy vacuum advance is working - if not - this may be why the timing has been set so far advanced, to try to compensate.