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We've put together six of the most common starter motor problems with a guide to correct identification. If you car doesn't start is doesn't necessarily mean a brand new starter is required, perhaps a good old clean. Alternatively, it might indicate a problem else where in the vehicle, such as an oil leak. Take a look through the guide, any queries, ask us!
Drive bearing housing broken during the starting process
| | | | POSSIBLE CAUSEDefective / worn ring gear During the starting process, the pinioin engages in the ring gear. As soon as what is referred to as a "tooth gap" is reached, the starter pinion will suddenly rotate faster than the engine, and the result is that one of the teeth of the pinion now impinges directly onto one of the teeth of the ring gear. When this happens, the armature shaft is levered upwards, leading to the drive bearing housing being broken. In most cases, this can be easily identifies at the bearing sleeve, which will have a clear, upward pressure mark on it. RECTIFICATIONReplace the ring gear / fly wheel. | |
Next we'll look at the pinon teeth binding and roller wheel.
Pinon teeth binding, discolouration at the roller freewheel 
| | | Pinon teeth binding, discolouration at the roller freewheel (pinon) and armature shaft due to overheating (internally: Plastic engaging lever running hot or melted. Armature destroyed, collector and armature winding partially spun upwards). POSSIBLE CAUSE Permanent or occasional jamming of the starer swtich. i.e. the starter pinon remains engaged even after starting the vehicle. The grease in the free-wheel roller is overstressed by the increased movement that occurs, resulting in an excessive temperature, causing it to decmopose. The pinon bearing sleeve frets against the armature shaft. The increased starter motor revolution speeds exceeds the overspeed of the armatur , which can also cause the commutator and armature winding to be destroyed. RECTIFICATION Replace ingition lock / contact part. | |
Next - snapping of the battery terminal.
Terminal 30 (battery lead) connections bolt snapped off  | | | POSSIBLE CAUSE The connection bolt was excessively tightened when the battery cable was secured, causing the connection bolt to snap off. RECTIFICATION Check the battery cable has been properly attached and tighten up to the vehicle manufacturers recommended torque settings. | |
Next - Loud noises and centre bearing.
Loud noises during starting procedure  | | | Pinon teeth damaged, bearing sleeve knocked out. POSSIBLE CAUSE Centering bush, dowel not inserted into mounting hole, or placed into correct hole. RECTIFICATION The starter is centred by way of the fitting hole and the dowel. When the started is fitted, care must be taken to ensure that the dowel is located in the drive end bracket and in the clutch housing respectively. The dowel must be placed in the same hole as the defective starter which has been removed (e.g. Renault C-Motor outside and Renault F-Motor inside). Make sure that the dowel has not become jammed in the mounting flange of the removal starter. | |
Next - Oil smears.
Starter shows oil traces on the outside 
| | | Starter shows oil traces on the outside, interior smeared with carbon, collector partially run-in. POSSIBLE CAUSE Starter defective due to the permeation of oil and/or Diesel. RECTIFICATIONEliminate oil loss or leaks from the vehicle. | |
Next - Run-on noise.
Run-on noise
| | | Run-on noises, abnormal clutch dust deposits on the amature shaf, pinon bearings and sleeves. POSSIBLE CAUSESThe bearing sleeves of the pinon and drive bearings are "running-dry", which causes loud noses during the starting process as well as "run-on" noises afterwards. RECTIFICATIONRemove the clutch dust and contaminates from transmission housing. Clean the pinon bearings then apply oil / grease. | |
The end. In practice any faults that may arise with start motors and alternators can have a variety of causes. This guide is only a suggestion and collection of the most common problems we've experienced. If you do have any issues with your starter, don't be afraid to give us a call as some of our sales agents have extensive experience in rotating electrics. Keep returning to our site for more technical guides.
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