Went down to the wreckers today armed with spanners, sockets, wrenches, universal joints, extension bars, etc etc...... and lucky I did too, cos most were used while simply trying to get this Gemini starter motor out.
Why a Gemini starter motor???
Good question. Gemini starter motors are PRE-ENGAGED, meaning that *edit->* as you turn the key to `start' the solenoid atop the starter first mechanically moves the drive pinion into mesh with the flywheel, THEN energises the starter to spin *<-edit* ..... which makes both the starter and the flywheel gears last a whole lot longer.
A mini starter motor gear is normally not touching the flywheel gear until you turn the key or press the starter button. But before the gears mesh, they start spinning, which leads to gear wear on both the starter and the flywheel. If you take your mini starter motor out, you can see that one side of the teeth on the flywheel have been worn away. If this gets bad enough, the starter will make bad grinding noises instead of starting your engine. This could result in you needing a new flywheel.
But the reason for this write up is to help you save time and headaches at the self-serve Gemini wrecking yard.
Basically, the only way to get these bloody things out is to either:
-Remove the inlet manifold assembly (for best access)
OR
-Remove the steering column. (for poor acess, but less dismantling)
The starter motor is at the back of the engine, and is fairly hard to get to..... but definately WONT come out without removing the other mentioned parts. It comes with the starter solenoid as part of the assembly. You will use that too.
-----
To remove the inlet manifold, you will need :
-10mm anything to undo the rocker cover nuts.
-11mm open end spanner to remove the 4 carby nuts.
-12mm socket on a short extension bar AND 12mm ring spanner to undo the 8 manifold nuts.
-13mm socket to undo the 2 starter motor bolts.
-Strong side cutters to cut thru the wires connected to the starter solenoid.
And there are alot of hoses and things that are connected to the manifold that will need undoing/cutting
That method will take you 40ish minutes.
-------
To remove the steering column, you will need to undo the universal joints and splined ends. The same assortment of tools should cover that, but I didnt try this method. The starter will still be difficult to get to, but at least now you can get it out of the car by going underneath.
-------
Now that youve got it out of the Gemini, clean it up, and trial fit it in your mini. You will see that the 2 mounting holes are not lined up.... you will need to file the starter motor holes a little bit with a round file. Just look into the holes and you will see which part is in the way.
Brand new Gemini starter motors can be bought for around $120....... or you could buy a used one from a self serve wrecker for $30. Cheaper than a new flywheel
The only problem you might have: An oil cooler fitted in the factory "S" position will be right where the starter motor will go..... because the Gemini starter assembly is bigger than a mini one.
More information will come, i'm sure
*edit* Thanks Doc.
Bloody typo