ausmini :: View topic - starter motor now fixed and mini working

best to do some pre-checks before blaming the starter directly

in the boot, check that both leads are on the battery properly, and that the earth lead attached properly to the boot floor.

under the bonnet, there is an earth strap on the drivers side going from the inner wheel arch to the engine, check that both ends of it are clean and secure

then if it still doesn't start, you can take the starter out quite quickly

remove the grille
undo the 7/16" nut that holds the power lead to the starter
undo the 9/16 bolts at the top and bottom of the starter
slide it out

then what?

thanks for this. my lights and electrics (stereo) still work as normal. this leads me to think that all the battery wires etc are ok.

i'm thinking a repco store ... not sure though.

Mate I always take a heap of tools with me when I go out of town. PM me if you want my mobile number and I will help you fit it on the day. Try talking to Tony Buttergieg (sp?) as he has good starters that he modifies for mini's that'll spin your engine over like it has no compression.

If you don't want to pay big money on one of those there could be someone who will bring along an old mini starter that we can just whack on for minimal money.

<edit> Tony's username on here is convertible mini.

Author:	bigjobs [ Sat Sep 12, 2009 12:39 pm ]
Post subject:	starter motor now fixed and mini working - bendix it was
here is the sound the starter motor is making. not much too look at but this is what happens when the ignition key is turned. my wife is turning the key, she turns it 3 times and you hear the noise three times. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1qp7PJXUyY Any thoughts? went to start him up today and the starter motor is just spinning on itself making a whirring noise. therefore mini will not start. have never really tried to replace anything like a starter motor, so a couple of questions. what sort of job is it in terms of time, difficulty, requirements etc. was really looking forward to taking him to be parked with all the other minis tomorrow. any advice, hints, tips, tricks appreciated.

Author:	MrDerrickC [ Sat Sep 12, 2009 12:49 pm ]
Post subject:
Undo strap, two bolts and out it comes.

Author:	simon k [ Sat Sep 12, 2009 12:50 pm ]
Post subject:
best to do some pre-checks before blaming the starter directly in the boot, check that both leads are on the battery properly, and that the earth lead attached properly to the boot floor. under the bonnet, there is an earth strap on the drivers side going from the inner wheel arch to the engine, check that both ends of it are clean and secure then if it still doesn't start, you can take the starter out quite quickly remove the grille undo the 7/16" nut that holds the power lead to the starter undo the 9/16 bolts at the top and bottom of the starter slide it out then what?

Author:	bigjobs [ Sat Sep 12, 2009 12:59 pm ]
Post subject:
simon k wrote: best to do some pre-checks before blaming the starter directly in the boot, check that both leads are on the battery properly, and that the earth lead attached properly to the boot floor. under the bonnet, there is an earth strap on the drivers side going from the inner wheel arch to the engine, check that both ends of it are clean and secure then if it still doesn't start, you can take the starter out quite quickly remove the grille undo the 7/16" nut that holds the power lead to the starter undo the 9/16 bolts at the top and bottom of the starter slide it out then what? hi Simon k and Mr Derrick, thanks for this. my lights and electrics (stereo) still work as normal. this leads me to think that all the battery wires etc are ok. i will check them now as you have suggested. i did get a 2nd opinion (racq) on the thought it was the starter motor. guy was certain that's what it was. sounds easy enough to get the starter motor out. i'm assuming a new one goes in as quickly and easily. now, what about a starter motor? is it possible to get one on saturday arvo? i'm thinking a repco store ... not sure though. any more thoughts?

Author:	Mick [ Sat Sep 12, 2009 1:08 pm ]
Post subject:
If its turning but not engaging, then you need to check the bendix on the end of the starter motor (still need to take it out to do this)and also the ring gear. it most likely won't be wriring because it is spinning up, although a very low battery coupled with a recalcitrant bendix will also cause it to not ride up and engage the ring gear.

ausmini https://www.ausmini.com/forums/

starter motor now fixed and mini working - bendix it was https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=56957	Page 1 of 2

Author:	simon k [ Sat Sep 12, 2009 1:09 pm ]
Post subject:
bigjobs wrote: thanks for this. my lights and electrics (stereo) still work as normal. this leads me to think that all the battery wires etc are ok. starter needs a lot of current, if the connections aren't flash, then a little bit will get through for the lights etc., but not enough for the starter to spin up and throw the bendix bigjobs wrote: i'm thinking a repco store ... not sure though. not a chance in hell... you might just have a stuck bendix, the spinny thing on the end of the starter - see what happens when/if you take it out but in any case, it's not like minis are hard to push start... I used to push start my K myself when I was at uni get a neighbour to help you push it in the morning, then plenty of people at the muster to push it, and someone will even have a starter for sale

Author:	bigjobs [ Sat Sep 12, 2009 1:44 pm ]
Post subject:
my battery terminals are spotless, all secure and connected. earth strap and earth lead all ok too. i will take it out this arvo and see what it looks like. i've pulled out the manual and it has a few pages with pics also which is helpful. must remember to disconned the battery terminals before taking it out too ... (note to self). i agree that push starting is easy. my dilemma is my drive way is downhill leading to where my mini is parked in the garage i will take a short clip of what it sounds like when i start it when i have finished my painting and post it here. will most likely be visiting the trade stalls tomorrow ... cheers again.

Author:	1018cc [ Sat Sep 12, 2009 5:24 pm ]
Post subject:
Mate I always take a heap of tools with me when I go out of town. PM me if you want my mobile number and I will help you fit it on the day. Try talking to Tony Buttergieg (sp?) as he has good starters that he modifies for mini's that'll spin your engine over like it has no compression. If you don't want to pay big money on one of those there could be someone who will bring along an old mini starter that we can just whack on for minimal money. <edit> Tony's username on here is convertible mini.

Author:	bigjobs [ Sat Sep 12, 2009 8:07 pm ]
Post subject:
1018cc wrote: Mate I always take a heap of tools with me when I go out of town. PM me if you want my mobile number and I will help you fit it on the day. Try talking to Tony Buttergieg (sp?) as he has good starters that he modifies for mini's that'll spin your engine over like it has no compression. If you don't want to pay big money on one of those there could be someone who will bring along an old mini starter that we can just whack on for minimal money. <edit> Tony's username on here is convertible mini. Thanks 1018. i got caught up with some painting today, will leave the mini for another day. in the mean time i have attached a video to my original post.

Author:	850man [ Sat Sep 12, 2009 8:14 pm ]
Post subject:
The bendex is stuck on the end of your starter motor, take the starter motor out and clean all the clutch dust & crap of it & lube it with graphite powder. Make sure it slides back & forward freely. Should be ok after that.

Author:	mini maxx [ Sat Sep 12, 2009 8:15 pm ]
Post subject:
Sounds like a bendix thang to me

Author:	TK [ Sat Sep 12, 2009 8:38 pm ]
Post subject:
or try another starter. Can you make it to Carole Park? Try one that I have here. Ty 0432 841 247

Author:	bigjobs [ Sun Sep 13, 2009 9:27 am ]
Post subject:
thanks for the offers of assistance and help so far. i took the starter motor out this morning. here's video of me turning the shaft thingy ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NljZv0E-t2o based on the advice above, i'm not too sure what the 'bendix' is and what i should be looking for now. any more pointers will be great and appreciated. [img][img]http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc154/biggestjobs/IMG_1826.jpg[/img][/img]

Author:	drmini in aust [ Sun Sep 13, 2009 9:54 am ]
Post subject:
the bendix is that thing with gear attached. It should spin freely up and down the splines if you turn it, and return outwards when you let go, not be stuck where it is. blow the crud out, then dust the splines with graphite powder as 850man suggests.

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Author:	bigjobs [ Sun Sep 13, 2009 5:01 pm ]
Post subject:
righto, followed the advice posted above, consulted the manual and this is the result http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdbL02gaTyA thanks for the help. it was exactly as people stated, a stuck bendix. i cleaned the crap off it, used some multi grips to stop it spinning on the shaft and then turned it until the bendix came free. cleaned it up, lubed with graphite, put it all back together and bingo - started first go. once again, thanks for the replies, guidance and advice. for someone who does not 'roll' in a mechanically minded way i'm pretty pleased with myself.