Starter motor behaviour

Doug

Doug

Member
Hi

Some behaviour we've seen of late (1725 standard Commer PB engine, 1974 bus) :
Try to start on a cold morning. Engine turns over, but veeery slowly. Not enough to start.
After a quick squirt of extra leccy with some jump leads, the engine turns more freely, but is probably flooded by now so doesn't start immediately.
Turning is now better.

Engine begins to cough a bit, then eventually starts.
By this time the starter is turning the engine quite nicely.

I had assumed this was a duff battery so went and bought a new one. It made no difference, and the vendor tested the battery (after I'd tried it) and say it's fine.

I should have known because one time I've been through this ritual, without any extra juice via jump leads, the starter began slowly then decided it liked turning after all and sprung into life. Only seen this once but it hints at something other than the battery.

Any thoughts on what to change or check?
I've read that it could be the solenoid.. where would I find a replacement, or can the old one be fixed?
If it's a new starter, which kind would it be for the 1725 engine ?

thanks (again) in advance!

One day I'll report that I have no daft questions ...
 
Could be a bad earth or loose connection at the starter. If you need a starter I have a pre engaged one for sale.
 
Yes does sound like a bad earth, either that or worn brushes in the starter - easy fix.
 
Thanks folks i hadnt thought of a bad earth.i'll take a look. PaulJL - i may take you up on that if it looks like i need one, thanks.
 
I had this and bought a new starter, exactly the same and battery is good. Have re-earthed also. I'm starting to think it's the main lead from the battery to the starter, it dies have green copper crud on the cable where it joins the junction box in tye better holder. Wondering if it's not getting a great +'ve connection?
 
When you're investigating poor starter motor connections, it's useful to operate the starter in pitch darkness. Poor connections sometimes show up as little firework displays. And it can be where the strands go into the ferrules at each end. [edit] and try feeling for heat after a good churn.. Heat = bad connection.[/edit]

But be careful in the dark!

The other connection not mentioned so far is the interconnect between the solenoid and starter windings, and of course, the starter body does have to be tight to the adaptor plate (or wherever it bolts up to on those strange petrol vehicles).
 
Thanks colin and all! If i can get this sorted i think he'll start quite well because if-when he does manage a turn or two at decent speed, he catches quite well ☺
 
Well I tried all the above and concluded it was probably the starter motot, so I bought a new one.
That alone has fixed it.

I haven't fitted the new one - just the act of shelling out called sod's law into play, and the existing one started behaving.

Are comer vans related to cats in some way? we see similar behaviour there too ..
 
Welcome to the world of Commers. First time you need the van to start it will let you down:mad:. I have a small tool box in the van with ignition spares and a distributer. Cleaned out the van at home took the van back to the unit. Stopped at the shop on the way to the unit and the van would not start. It is all part of the excitement of owning a Commer .:):):):)
 
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