Thread: Series 3 Starter Motor ??

i would check the leads that connect to the starter motor sometimes they can get a bit loose and that is all it takes

1. When push or tow starting use top gear - saves potential damage to gearbox.
2. Should have a crank handle, and these engines, if in good shape, start easily by hand, but keep your thumb on the same side of the handle as the fingers to reduce injury risk.
3. Problem with the starter is either a poor connection (battery/earth/solenoid) or (most likely) is the starter pinion not moving freely on the shaft.

After checking connections - measure voltage between the starter terminal and battery post and between the starter body and battery negative post when operating the starter - should be less than about 0.1V. If nothing found here, remove the starter. The pinion is on a multistart screw on the shaft, held away from the flywheel by a light spring. When the starter is operated, the sudden start of the shaft leaves the pinion stationary so it screws along the thread and engages the flywheel. It must move very freely on the thread, and is likely to be either rusty or gummed up with dried oil. Disassemble the drive, and thoroughly clean it to ensure it moves freely. Do not oil or grease it. Lubricate with graphite powder.

John

John - took the starter out and the light spring, pinion, flywheel look fine but the large coil on the end is broken - see image attached. Is it worth a repair or just buy a new one ?

Connections all looked good as well.

Cheers, Jonathan

I would imagine you could buy those fairly cheap, both the starter motor and the spring

I wouldn't bother repairing it unless originality is a priority. Paddock in the UK list this starter motor, found in Discoverys and Defenders, as a suitable alternative - there must be heaps of them at the wreckers for a good price. 80 pounds new at Paddock, plus freight.

Starter Motor - smaller Defender TD type. (replacement for larger S3 type)
ERR5009N
Series 2 & 3, Defender, Discovery 1, Range Rover 1986-1994

Cheers Charlie

I would repair it, although frankly I have never seen one of those springs broken on a Landrover starter (have on others). But I would expect that it will be a matter of balancing costs (and delivery times).

John

Originally Posted by Redbrick

John - took the starter out and the light spring, pinion, flywheel look fine but the large coil on the end is broken - see image attached. Is it worth a repair or just buy a new one ?

Connections all looked good as well.

Cheers, Jonathan

Some auto electricians could still have Lucas parts and may be able to help. Mind you, I've tried a few in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne and they have thrown all the Lucas stuff away (one sold everything via Ebay, most went to the US).

Is the retaining cap at the end held in place with a circlip (some are bolted)? If so you need to compress the new spring to install the clip.
I have a compressor somewhere I can take a photo of if you need details.

Freight of a starter motor from the UK would add quite a bit to the cost.


Colin

Google "Lucas 270889" and you'll find quite a few suppliers.Just make sure it's the correct one for your starter motor. (M418G)? W.