Starter Motor Repair

May not be too helpful but according to my Lucas Data sheet the M45G is "Electrically pre-engaged, with roller clutch" and not as your picture suggests. However, the M35G is inertia engaged, Lucas SB type! As per your picture.

If you have cleaned, continuity, insulation tested, shaft rotates, and the roller moves forward to the engaged position it could be the clutch has failed in which case DIY you are a bit stuck!

Is the solenoid you refer to a remote relay, because the other picture on the thread is more like yours should be with the piggy back solenoid and stage contacts.

They are very robust and when they fail particularly marine use a good service and they are new again, unless salt water has upset the insulation levels or it has been cooked.

Perhaps a closer look at the type may be helpful.

Good luck.
 
Thanks for all the replies and PMs! I'm in Lincs.

I'll try to get it off today and post some photos. Could have sworn it said M45G, but I'll have a better look. The one I have does not have a piggy back starter relay - it's a seperate unit.
 
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If its the one in the pic its a mini type starter very common, what engine is it off? the bendix usually sticks with corrosion, they used to less than a tenner in my early car days off my mini, try cf parkinsons at newark or lincoln they will have it in stock im sure.
 
May not be too helpful but according to my Lucas Data sheet the M45G is "Electrically pre-engaged, with roller clutch" and not as your picture suggests.
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Thats what I found, hence my statement that is was a pre-engage type.
Then the picture of an inertia starter was posted!


One thing for sure if the solenoid is remotely mounted as the OP says above it is an inertia type.

If theres a big spring held by a nut on the end of the shaft it's an inertia type.

The more I think about it the more certain I am that the nut will have LH thread as HLB and I have suggested.

Pity we have not been told what engine!
 
VicS said:
Pity we have not been told what engine!
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Sorry! Meant to add that in my last post. It's a Perkins 4.108. The starter is definitely an inertia type (remote solenoid, big spring on shaft, etc.). I'll try and post pics when I take it off.
 
ccruiser said:
Sorry! Meant to add that in my last post. It's a Perkins 4.108. The starter is definitely an inertia type (remote solenoid, big spring on shaft, etc.). I'll try and post pics when I take it off.
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I think I knew that the Perkins 4.108 could have an inertia starter. However, its quite clear from what you say that it does
It is in fact a M45G Type RF17 !

There is a manual at http://www.bluemoment.com/manuals/Perkins-4.107_4.108_4.99-WorkshopManual.pdf if of any interest . See section Q for the electrical equipment, including the starter motors
 
VicS said:
Thats what I found, hence my statement that is was a pre-engage type.
Then the picture of an inertia starter was posted!


One thing for sure if the solenoid is remotely mounted as the OP says above it is an inertia type.

If theres a big spring held by a nut on the end of the shaft it's an inertia type.

The more I think about it the more certain I am that the nut will have LH thread as HLB and I have suggested.

Pity we have not been told what engine!
Click to expand...

Developing into quite a starter debate VicS. Correct me if I'm wrong but it appears from the W/S manual the M45 was made in both derivatives e. g. see page 94 and 96.

So it must be safe to say both models are base type M45G 4.5" yoke, just that each one has a different method of engagement. This would suggest my data still holds good and Perkins specified inertia rather than pre-engage which is simply attached to the end of the yoke with the different rotor assembly ? Manufacturers license !

This being the case ccruiser don't bother about the type, follow the appropriate page and you'll sort it PDQ !
 
My Yanmar starter would spin but not engage.
Took it off and fired it up. No problems. The solenoid would throw out the gear and the motor spin.
Put the thing back on and same problem. Motor spun but would not engage.
A new Yanmar one cost me about £350. (I needed it then.)
Following day I bought a brand new one off eBay at £120.
There is a manufacturer on there selling all makes for about the £120.
I now keep the new spare on board.
 
All's well that ends well :D. Took the starter motor off today, and after cleaning rust off around the pinion, and a gentle tap with a hammer, it worked fine.

The creature in question...

lucas m45g starter by Leah C., on Flickr

Puddle of rusty WD40 and now moving freely...

pinion by Leah C., on Flickr

Thanks to everyone who helped! I had almost given up hope of fixing this.
 
Maybe an illusion but the pinion looks as though its a bit damaged.

Also Id have expected to see the teeth beveled at the end nearest to the motor
but it is about 35 years since I last worked on one of these!
 
FlyingDutchman said:
I do hope you did not gently tap your thumbnail with that hammer?
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No :)


Also Id have expected to see the teeth beveled at the end nearest to the motor
Click to expand...
The side of the teeth nearest the motor are indeed more bevelled than they appear in the photo. The pinion isn't as rough as it appears here - bad photo plus WD40 and grime didn't help. Though, I'm sure it's not in mint condition!
 
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