Starter relay.

["Neil Thorpe" <nt014b6628@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Tracy,

 

No it doesn't make sense, if the armature as you describe it is turning when

the engine is running then it is either that the solenoid is being energised

when it shouldn't be i.e. (faulty ignition switch or faulty solenoid) or

the pinion gear is sticking in by mechanical means.

 

If the solenoid is not pulling the pinion gear back out away from the ring gear after

the engine has started like it should then dependant on starter motor design the

fault may be :-

 

1, Pre-engaged starter (starter with solenoid mounted on it's side) the solenoid is not

pulling the pinion gear back after starting the engine so pull it out and bench check it

and repair or replace it.

 

2, Axial type starter (has a remote solenoid) the bendix mechanism is jammed or the

return spring has broken, again pull it out and bench check it.

 

3, The ring gear is damaged, pull out the starter and have a look at the ring gear.

 

If it is one of the above 3 faults you will notice that as you rev the engine the grinding

/ whirring sound increases with engine speed, if this is the case get the starter off the

engine ASAP or you will do more damage to the ring gear.

 

If you need info on bench testing the starter contact me off list as testing is

simple and quick but not for people of a nervous disposition so i think it wise to

pass this on to people who are useful with their hands not people who are a danger

to themselves when passing a DIY store let alone actually owning a toolkit.

 

Neil, Imp 82 London.

 

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Tracy Sherratt

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2003 9:25 PM

Subject: Re: IML: Starter relay.

The solenoid will only engauge when the the car is fired up as normal. It seems the armature only is spinning when the car is being driven. Hope that makes sense.

Thanks Dave.