Starter Motor?

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Munky
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Starter Motor?

Post by Munky » Sat Jul 26, 2014 8:26 pm

Does anyone know if a failed starter motor makes a bad noise while the engine is running? Stopped to fuel up earlier, started back up, engine hesitated to start but got going. Immediately noticed a noise. Thought I had a crack in exhaust. Noise got worse over 15 min drive home - like a snare drum in a washing machine. Stopped at home, now it won't start. Electrics seem fine. Everything lights up as normal up to ignition pos II. Fuel pump, click etc. as normal. Turn key to start engine - nothing at all. The next bit might be in my head but I'm sure I could smell a slightly sweet burning smell from engine bay. Am I looking at a knackered starter motor? PS. Checked all fuses front and back - all are fine.

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robin
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Re: Starter Motor?

Post by robin » Sun Jul 27, 2014 12:38 am

Do you get a click from the engine bay each time you turn the key from run to start?

If you get that click each time it is pretty likely that the starter is gubbed. But it makes sense to diagnose it properly. It is possible to hotwire the starter motor from the engine bay and check that it really doesn't want to work. You can this with the ignition off, and the car in neutral (best put the keys in your pocket, just to be sure!).

Find the starter, look for the smaller wire, pull it off the spade terminal. Now you need a short bit of wire - like a bit of mains earth cable or similar. Put one end of the cable onto the spade terminal you pulled the wire off. Touch the other end to the big stud with a load of heavy duty cables attached to it. The starter should jump into life. If it doesn't then you've either got a problem with the wiring or the starter is gubbed. On an S2 I think the starter is more likely to be the issue than the wiring (because the battery is in the boot so you don't have the same cable run issues as the S1 has).

Cheers,
Robin
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Munky
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Re: Starter Motor?

Post by Munky » Sun Jul 27, 2014 11:48 am

No click when I turn to start. Nothing at all. Will have a bash at testing starter to confirm...

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Munky
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Re: Starter Motor?

Post by Munky » Sun Jul 27, 2014 6:04 pm

Ok, tested starter motor as described. Nothing happened. How hard is it to remove and re-fit new starter? Can it be done from top of engine bay? If not, might be in a pickle not being able to start the car to drive it to MMC??

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j2 lot
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Re: Starter Motor?

Post by j2 lot » Sun Jul 27, 2014 6:43 pm

Should still bump start if that's achievable....
2015 Lotus Evora
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robin
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Re: Starter Motor?

Post by robin » Sun Jul 27, 2014 8:13 pm

If you're in Edinburgh and think you're going to ask MMC to fix it, I suggest you call them before doing anything else ... depending on time pressure, etc., they may be able to help you get the car started.

BUT no click AND starter not hotwiring implies double fault which doesn't happen. If the starter alone is gubbed I would expect you to get a click from the rear when you turn the key to start, provided you have remembered to disable the immobilizer. The immobilizer has no effect on the starter motor hot wiring technique.

Where abouts are you - I could pop over tonight if you're about ... if you read this in the next hour or so and want me to pop over give me a call on 07973 391 393.

Cheers,
Robin
I is in your loomz nibblin ur wirez
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Munky
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Re: Starter Motor?

Post by Munky » Sun Jul 27, 2014 11:30 pm

Robin, got back quite late and read this. I really appreciate the offer of coming over but I'm in way down the A7 so not exactly convenient from Edinburgh. Had a thought though. Is it possible that the solenoid gave up during starting, leaving the starter connected to engine? That would presumably ruin the motor and explain the harsh noises I heard on the way home? Would also mean no solenoid click and knackered motor? Double failure. If it's possible, believe me - it will happen on this car. In the last 2 years I've had master and slave cylinder replaced, clutch replaced, IAC replaced, ECU fried, and my mileage now reads over half a million! Cursed.

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robin
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Re: Starter Motor?

Post by robin » Mon Jul 28, 2014 4:01 am

You should still get a relay click from rear relay pack down by ecu.

Did the ecu fry due to reversed jump leads?

Yes, the mechanical noise most likely points at actual starter failure. You can also get a wire routing issue that can trigger the starter under engine load. Of course that will shag the starter also!
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Munky
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Re: Starter Motor?

Post by Munky » Mon Jul 28, 2014 9:47 am

Not sure what exactly caused the ECU to go but it was linked to battery change after inactive winter.

I'll maybe give Craig a ring and see what he suggests...

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