Starter??

[sinlessgunner]

Hi all

Last night drove from Dublin to Longford no problem. On the way home heard a loud popping sound thought it might have been a stone hitting the window.

Parked up for about 20 minutes and went to start the car.... nothing. Not a peep out of it. When I turn the key all the electrics come on, dash lights etc but when I make the final turn to start the engine I get nothing Car doesn't attempt to fire at all just a kind of whirring sound or something. First initial thought was ah the starter motor. Hit it a tap with a wrench and started no problem.

Today again started perfect parked up in town 30 mins later back to the car and same problem again. Hit the starter and started no problem.

Thing is though that the car has been starting fine up to now no problems with it. I thought the starter usually played up a little before dying but turned over perfectly every time. Could it be that the starter is loose rather than gone or that the cables might be a bit dodgy? Anyone think that the popping sound could be connected to it? How would I check this? I haven't a clue about getting the starter out or anything and really can't afford a possibly unnecessary trip to the auto electrician.

Any suggestions?

[escu_calin]

refurb the starter at any engine shop

[witcher]

Starter can pass away without any warning. and from the description yours just did that. have it refurbed as suggested, cheapest option.

[sinlessgunner]

Can anyone tell me how to remove the starter?i've managed 2 disconnect the electrics but how many bolts hold it in place?where are they?and how do I get at them?is it a big job?thanks!

[Sebastian]

5 min job

1. disconnect battery terminals .
2. get under the engine and unplug the 2 wires from starter.
3. there are 2 bolts holding the starter one on each side ( one where the box is - longer , one on the other side - shorter) - you will need the ratchet and i think the 12
4. after you take them outpush the starter slightly up on one side and lower it from the car easy .

Refurbing the starter might be VERY expensive , I was quoted 180 eur for the job at a starter repair company .
Easiest way is to find one on a beakers yard or buy one from camskill/ebay

the re-fitting procedure is reversed

[steelroe]

I have plenty of perfect used starters. But once you get yours off test it with a set of jump leadsand a battery.

[sinlessgunner]

Can someone tell me where the 2nd bolt is that I need to remove? I have the first one but can't find the second one?

See this link for pics I'm looking for the second bolt as indicated in the pics.

http://www.ftoaustralia.com/v3/viewtopi ... 23&t=14520

Thanks lads!

[escu_calin]

Can someone tell me where the 2nd bolt is that I need to remove? I have the first one but can't find the second one?

See this link for pics I'm looking for the second bolt as indicated in the pics.

http://www.ftoaustralia.com/v3/viewtopi ... 23&t=14520

Thanks lads!

a good way to start would be:
download the workshop manual first part from download section
browse the pdf to page 241 in pdf or 16-16: Engine electrical: Starting system.
it explains there assembly/disassemble

and if not; unbolt every screw surrounding the starter till it falls out

[steelroe]

2 bolts. One in from either side of the gearbox bell housing. you wont cause any harm if you remove the worong one

[escu_calin]

2 bolts. One in from either side of the gearbox bell housing. you wont cause any harm if you remove the worong one

if you comfortable , go under the car ans look on each side of the engine mount bar... you will see the second nut near the front engine mount guide.

they are screwed really tight

would help to have a torque wrench and tighten them back as instructed in the manual

i feel like all the mechanics in my area tighten the screws as they see fit from experience.. and this is scaring me ! that's why i ordered a 30 eur torque wrench from ebay

...

[Gerry]

Overkill.
if u were to do this on every job u done, you would never get anywhere.
In relation to moving internal parts of the engine, head gaskets, wheel bearings etc, yes torque wrench required. But for replacing starter motor any decent diy'er should know when something is tight or not.

[escu_calin]

Overkill.
if u were to do this on every job u done, you would never get anywhere.
In relation to moving internal parts of the engine, head gaskets, wheel bearings etc, yes torque wrench required. But for replacing starter motor any decent diy'er should know when something is tight or not.

my problem was the screws in the intake manifold and generally screws that involves gaskets !
mine were tighten by my mechanic too tight so one of them snapped (what a happy day) and in response i had to change again the gasket and seek a proper bolt which is not easy for a non mechanic.. cos those have superior treatments to resist the dilation of the engine and manifold body

anyway ... a decent DiY-er must follow the instruction by the book(the torques are not put in the manual for show) because they have time..
A good mechanic does what you suggest (cutting hand labor times).

[Gerry]

Common sense goes a long way too mate in relation to small jobs.