VR6 Starter motor

[Roger Blassberg 0]

My starter motor has been making strange graunching noises - it happens for one or two seconds after the engine has started and whilst the starter is slowing down once it has disengaged. So I have got hold of a second hand one with a view to replacing it.

 

On the replacement is a label which goes on about replacing a bush. Does anyone know about these things? Is the bush on the starter motor itself (I can't see one) or is it buried in the flywheel/bell housing area?

 

Also, are there any difficulties or necessary precautions associated with removing and replacing the starter motor?

 

Best wishes

 

RB

[dr_mat 0]

IIRC one of the motor bolts goes through the engine bracket that attaches it to the front engine mount .. so you'll need to prop the engine up to get it back in ..

Other than that I paid a local garage to do it, so I don't know of any more gotchas.

BTW, GSF sell genuine Bosch refurbed starters for ~£75 exchange. I didn't see the point in messing about with 2nd hand. (Bit late now, but .. )

[buttles 0]

The label is probably talking about the bush in the bell housing that the starter spindle locates in to keep it straight. If it is worn the starter cog will be allowed to move away from the flywheel accelerating wear. You can see it in the starter housing with a mirror.

[Roger Blassberg 0]

Thanks. Is the bush easily replaced once the starter has been removed?

 

Best wishes

 

RB

[buttles 0]

RB, not replaced that one in situ but done similar bush in flywheel centre on another type. There may be a tool for doing this but I just cut a slot along the inside of the bush with a small hacksaw blade and then gently bent the legs of the now 'C"shaped bush together. Same trick as the bushes on the rear suspension arm. To be honest it may not need doing.

[fla 9]

RB, did you finally do this? If so would you be kind enough to give me some pointers? Do you know if te manual and auto starters are the same at all?

[Roger Blassberg 0]

I never did get around to doing it, the C has been SORNed for a while and has slipped off my radar a bit.

 

But my local specialist garage advise me that the bush can be removed thus.

1. Remove starter motor (Obvious really, but don't forget to support the engine)

2. Find a piece of steel bar (although hard wood might do) that is the same diameter as the bore of the bush.

3. Fill the bush with grease. ( :lol: )

4. Drive bar into the bush - the hydraulic pressure of the grease should push the bush out from the recess, (or alternatively squirt a few ccs of grease into your face).

 

Alternatively, cut the bush up with a junior hacksaw blade.

 

Best wishes

 

RB

[fla 9]

Thanks RB. There are two bolts for the starter not three, correct? Only i remember someone saying the third is for alignment?

[Roger Blassberg 0]

I think that there are two; one is a very long one that goes into the engine mounting. The motor is located accurately by a lip in the endplate fitting into a recess in the block/bellhousing.

 

Best wishes

 

RB

[fla 9]

where do you apply power directly to the starter to turn it over? There are two bolts on the top side of the starter, one with a heavy lead (with a white stripe on the insulation). I presume you can use any other bolt as the ground. I've applied 12V to these but it doesnt turn over - is there a relay that needs to be bypassed, or am i using the wrong connections? My gearbox is free at the moment so access is no issue.

[fla 9]

tried a few other combos but without success. Any suggestions, its quite urgent!!

[mattkh 0]

tried a few other combos but without success. Any suggestions, its quite urgent!!

Hi

Put up a picture of your starter.

[fla 9]

Its the same as any other VR starter although the engagement mech is slightly different for the auto. Will try and get some pics tonight.

[fla 9]

pics added. I assume the cylindrical unit on top of teh starter is some sort of power relay? If so, how is this by-passed?

[mattkh 0]

Hi

Thanks for the pics.

I was hoping to mark the photos but dont know yet how to do it.

Using jump leads connect the POsitive from the battery to the stud that has the thick wire .

Negative to the metal body with the big hole.

Then get a thin wire about 2 feet long. Fix a spade connector to one end. Bare the other end about 2mm. Push the spade connector onto the terminal in the square looking socket on what you call the relay.

Right. Now make sure the engine is stable and the belts are clear of any spanners. Then touch the bare end of the thin wire to the battery positive. Only do it for a second or two because too much current can damage the coils in the starter.

What you call the relay is called a solenoid.

[fla 9]

Cheers for that Matt, yuo're a diamond. Will havea go at the weekend now. My block has no spark plugs or any other auxiliary systms attached so would there be a problem in running the starter for say 30 secs at a time? What i want to do is basiclaly prime the oil pump and make sure oil is circulating through the block oil circuits?

[mattkh 0]

Hi

TRy ten seconds first.