Morris Minor Owners Club

Hello everyone,

I have recently had a loud but brief 'screech' from the starter motor when starting up.
It doesn't last long and is from cold as when I start up later from warm there doesn't seem to be a problem.
If this is a simple case of overhauling the starter motor is there a specialist tool needed and is this a realistic job for a newbie?
Thanks a lot
James

Update:

Thanks for all your help. I think it is literally just the damp that is causing the screech as I haven't had it over the last few days.
As a newbie I sometimes fear the worst and then find out the problem was minor!!

It's most likely worn bushes, here's a video showing how to repair the starter, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9GLbFjIVBM8

This is the type of special tool that you need to be able to remove the Bendix:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-Start ... SwLEtYh8Jc
The above is similar to the Sykes Pickavant Bendix spring compression tool I use.

Under no circumstances should you attempt to remove the spring without having compressed the spring otherwise there is a high chance of injury or damage to both you and your surroundings.
If your starter motor is an early version with the Bendix secured by a nut and split pin there is no need to use a spring compressor as undoing the nut takes the pressure off the spring.
You can lubricate the front and rear armature bushes without dismantling the starter motor. A small amount of engine oil is all that is required.
Do not lubricate the Bendix - as it becomes contaminated with clutch dust it will cause sticking of the Bendix.
You need to check the condition of the brushes - they may well be worn and causing the squeal.

Sometimes it can be that the Bendix is dirty.
Clean off with brake cleaner and don't put any oil or grease on it

Graphite dust is what you want - the dust from a soft pencil?

Can you describe this screech a little more? Before engine cranks, while cranking and before the engine fires, or after the engine has fired up? Either way, it needs checking out. Have you checked the fixing bolts are tight?

The screech occurs a few moments after the engine has started

James

philthehill wrote:This is the type of special tool that you need to be able to remove the Bendix:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-Start ... SwLEtYh8Jc
The above is similar to the Sykes Pickavant Bendix spring compression tool I use.

Under no circumstances should you attempt to remove the spring without having compressed the spring otherwise there is a high chance of injury or damage to both you and your surroundings.
If your starter motor is an early version with the Bendix secured by a nut and split pin there is no need to use a spring compressor as undoing the nut takes the pressure off the spring.
You can lubricate the front and rear armature bushes without dismantling the starter motor. A small amount of engine oil is all that is required.
Do not lubricate the Bendix - as it becomes contaminated with clutch dust it will cause sticking of the Bendix.
You need to check the condition of the brushes - they may well be worn and causing the squeal.

Thankyou I will look at the type.

Trickydicky wrote:It's most likely worn bushes, here's a video showing how to repair the starter, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9GLbFjIVBM8

Thankyou

Dapplepony8 wrote:The screech occurs a few moments after the engine has started

James

In that case, are you sure it's the starter? It could be if it's not disengaging properly, but it could also be other components. Have you checked that the fan belt is tight? It could be that slipping - that is a common cause of screeching, especially after starting if it's damp, or you turn the headlights on etc.

[quote="rayofleamington"]Sometimes it can be that the Bendix is dirty.
Clean off with brake cleaner and don't put any oil or grease on it

Graphite dust is what you want - the dust from a soft pencil?[/q

The motor is an M35G. Is this the type you are referring to?

liammonty wrote:

Dapplepony8 wrote:The screech occurs a few moments after the engine has started

James

In that case, are you sure it's the starter? It could be if it's not disengaging properly, but it could also be other components. Have you checked that the fan belt is tight? It could be that slipping - that is a common cause of screeching, especially after starting if it's damp, or you turn the headlights on etc.

Fanbelt tight but damp quite probable even though she's garaged.

Another thing that might be worth doing (to eliminate the source of the screech from the water pump and the dynamo) is to take the fan belt off, and run the engine briefly to see if that cures the noise.

Of course, it may just be the starter as you suspect!

After the engine has started must mean the starter is still engaged and being over-speeded. The fan/generator belt is a likely suspect, but it is at the other end of the engine! More likely if an alternator is fitted, because of the different charging characteristics between an alternator and a dynamo.

RAB

Edited to add that if it is the alernator, the screech may be louder and longer if all the electrical loads are turned on before starting the engine.

oliver90owner wrote:After the engine has started must mean the starter is still engaged and being over-speeded. The fan/generator belt is a likely suspect, but it is at the other end of the engine! More likely if an alternator is fitted, because of the different charging characteristics between an alternator and a dynamo.

RAB

Edited to add that if it is the alernator, the screech may be louder and longer if all the electrical loads are turned on before starting the engine.

I think it is simply due to the Damp