Sticking starter

[mick]

My pre-engaged starter motor (Valeo - brand new this season) has started giving trouble if the engine hasn't been started for more than a few days. The pinion is sticking on its shaft and refuses to move forward to mesh with the flywheel. A thump with something heavy always frees it and the engine then starts. The motor performs perfectly if used on a daily basis. I have greased the shaft well with copper grease but the problem persists. This is not a marine starter but I am surprised to find a problem so soon. Any advice gratefully received.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[aztec]

for a start don't use copper grease. molyebdinum disulphide (sp?) grey moly grease is what you need, high temp for wheel bearings and CV joints. it may pay you to remove the pinion and give it a good clean, then re grease it. then it should be fine.

when you lay up, it's a good idea to service the starters ready for next season.

hope this helps. steve.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[aztec]

for a start don't use copper grease. molyebdinum disulphide (sp?) grey moly grease is what you need, high temp for wheel bearings and CV joints. it may pay you to remove the pinion and give it a good clean, then re grease it. then it should be fine.

also check that it is the pinion and not the solenoid that is sticking, as this may give a simmilar symptom.

when you lay up, it's a good idea to service the starters ready for next season.

hope this helps. steve.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[nickjaxe]

When you turn the key do you get any clicking sounds coming from the starter.

Nick in cheshire.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[mick]

Aztec,
Thanks for reply. Two questions - why not copper grease? and how do I get the pinion off?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[penfold]

Copper grease isn't grease; it's not a lubricant and should not be used as one. It's an anti-seize compound and fulfills this function very well in my experience. If used as a lubricant, it tends to dry out, and you're left with sticky gunge. You ideally want to have as little grease on the starter shaft as is commensurate with stopping it rust; any excess will just attract dirt and eventually jam again.

If it is a bendix type starter, you will need to compress the buffer spring in order to remove the pinion. If you don't have the tools for this and can't fabricate something suitable, take it to your nearest friendly auto-electricians or starter/alternator reconditioners and get them to dismantle it for you.

HTH, cheers,
David

<hr width=100% size=1>What in the wide, wide world of sports is goin' on here?

 

[aztec]

yea! what he said.

good luck /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[sfh]

If you remove the starte, clean up the shaft and then, whilst removed with an earth to the body, power the low tension side of the solonoid, the pinion should shoot forward to the thrust washer, the motor will not turn, you are only checking the solonoid, if OK give a very very light greese.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[nickjaxe]

sounds like a selinoid prob to me, if no click when turning the key its prob not doing anything, by the way the selinoid is the round thing on top of the starter motor.
Nick.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[mick]

I've registered what has been said about mistaken use of Copper Ease as a grease - which it isn't.
As regards the solenoid comments, when I turn the key the pinion spins but does not move forward until I dunt the end of the motor with a blunt instrument. This only happens when the engine has not been used for a few days; if I'm cruising and using the engine regularly the starter works normally.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[mtb]

Interesting the replies to this, I never use grease on a bendix or roller clutch as I don't like the risk of dust sticking causing the thing to slow down even sticking !! in the wrong position, although some manufacturers recommend Shell Retinax <A> grease.
I think it's as already said sticking due to crap re bendix or roller clutch and more likely poor earth on the solenoid side of things. Perhaps the damp conditions don't suit the automotive starter you fitted. check the earth leads when it wont start, some time's if your lucky if the connections are warm you've found the resistance or use an avo meter.

Cheers
Mick

<hr width=100% size=1>Danbrit is for sale I'm spending all my time working on her with no time for play

 

[Heckler]

mick, havent read the rest but no grease necessary, it gets sticky and gums up with crud, also interesting, "the pinion spins but doesnt move on the shaft" the pinion shouldnt spin untill the solenoid has pushed it into engagement, it is on a fork with one end around the pinion and the other end around a piston in the solenoid, at the end of said piston is a copper bar that contacts two contacts to allow juice to flow (very roughly speaking, before i get shot down!")
check the piston is not jamming and not moving the whole caboodle
s

<hr width=100% size=1>http://www.beneteau-owners-association.org.uk