G'Day all,

I would like to confirm my starter motor needs replacing before I rush off and buy a replacement one.

My Clubbie wont start, I turn the ignition key and I get a 'click'. The car wont Jump start (from RACQ) but will Push start. When the mini is being jump started the same thing happens: just the 'click'; thus, the voltage getting to the starter and on my battery shouldn't be the problem. I pulled the starter motor out following the manuals instructions and tried to test it on the floor of the garage.

To test it, I hooked up Jump cables to the battery and the -ve to the chassis of the starter and the other to the threaded bolt coming out of the starter (the one that was hooked up to the +ve under the bonnet). My foot was holding it down

The result: a few sparks and no spinning of the starter motor. I cleaned the gear and spindle (bendix?) with degreaser, dried it and applied some graphite powder and tested again with no luck.

SO.... Can someone please confirm that it is the starter motor that is stuffed and needs replacing?

My gut says 'yes' but my head says 'get a second opinion' - And thanks in advance for all the helpful replies.

Please note: the nearest mini specialist is over 1000Km away.

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Cheers,

Fade77
Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.

If the starter motor does not turn at all when current is applied, then yes it is u/s.

Can you turn the shaft by hand?

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68 Mini
70 Moke

You have done the right test and it still didn't work, it sure sounds shagged.
Can you get a Gemini one?

Thanks for the quick replies.

I cannot turn the shaft via the square 'thingie' in the center of the starter motor with my fingers, I can turn it with a O/E spanner.

Looks like a new starter motor for me.... now where did I leave that bucket of gold.....

_________________
Cheers,

Fade77
Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.

You could pull it apart and give it a wash out see what is binding it up?

Just remove the two screws out the back of the starter and give the aluminum housing a tap and it should come apart easy enough. Might just be full of crud, then again it might be shagged....

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68 Mini
70 Moke

I'd take one off my pile and give it to you, but you're a couple of thousand k's away

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Strip and clean out the bushes in each end plate. put some grease on the shaft / bushes and try again with jumper lead. if it turns freely by hand but will not turn over with power the the brushes/ armature/windings are U/S

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Research is the difference between speculation and investment. Anyone who copys some one else will always be second
www.minisprintgt.com

try and get a rear wheel drive gemini one
much better