Starter Motor Problem?
Over the weekend the starter motor on my 280GE (87) made very fast clicking sounds for 3-4 seconds before engaging the engine, any ideas on cause?
Cheers
James
ahh you have the 280 syndrome, do yourself a favour, take out the plastic drain bung on the auto gearbox,and leave it out, this is to let water out after wading,if oil drips out then this has contaminated the solenoid. Dont be to alarmed the 280 engine is renowned for week rear oil seals, this enters the bell housing and flies around inside, eventually finding its way into the starter. If there is no oil then its just time to replace a tired stater.
Hi Peter,
Found the plastic drain bung and removed, no oil, dry as a bone, suppose this means the starter has to come out. Have searched the forums for tips on removal of starter, it seems to be a difficult job. I do not have a garage, is it possible do in the drive way?
Is a 3 foot extension bar really required? My G is a 280 GE LWB, which side is the starter on?
Thanks
James
Yes , A very lot of extention bars are needed to get the top bolt ...enjoy
I have done it on the drive , no problem
Twodogs
Yes , A very lot of extention bars are needed to get the top bolt ...enjoy
Also a universal joint mixed in somewhere along the extension bars. It helps with 2 people. 1 to locate the allen key (10mm I think) and the other to turn the ratchet.
Doable on the driveway, just takes some time
or is a universal joint and a wobble joint ....
Twodogs
Thanks Towdogs and Russ280
What is a wobble joint? This is starting to sound a bit beyond my limited skills and Halford’s tool kit, anybody know a garage used to working on Gs? London or southeast preferred, but up to midlands ok for right shop.
THX
James
could be failing battery but more likely the solenoid rds
New battery, Will contact Werner.
THX
James
or is a universal joint and a wobble joint ....
No it's deff :D o a wobble joint then a uj
I'd try a jump start with another battery/vehicle first. No luck, then check/test that the starter/solenoid is actually getting full current. Could be as simple as a loose/corroded connection (check every connection battery terminals and back along the line). Most workshops will charge you for a recon starter but would only have supplied you with a very small amount of wd40 and a light coat of black aerosol on the starter.
See how you get on with the above and let us know.
Check this out nice photo of the MB tool with a uJ
http://www.pointedthree.com/disc/forums/showthread.php?tid=7176&start=1&...
edited
Mercfan
Tried a jump start last week, but it made no difference, will check and clean all contacts from battery to solenoid, THX for the tip.
ErnestTBass
THX for the link to the photos on pointedthree, I now know what a wobble is and will get one and the hex socket this weekend, if cleaning the contacts doesn’t work.
Cheers
James
Sorry for delay in posting, very busy at work this week.
Following mercfan’s advice, cleaned and sanded all connections down to the solenoid and gave starter a rap with a hammer for good measure, no change still the same :cry:
Next step down to my local tool shop for ErnestTBass photo tools, got a 15 inch extension for £6 other stuff expensive BritTool, so went to Halfords, got a 10mm hex socket, a universal and a set of 2 wobbles 3 and 6 inch , £15 the lot.
Bottom bolt no problem, but could not even find top bolt, tried probing with the extensions, but no go, I cannot see or feel the top bolt. There seems to be a shield half covering the motor, is the bolt inside or outside of this, unless someone has a method of locating the top bolt, I will not be able to finish the job, so suggestions of someone in the London area who could tackle this welcome.
Cheers
James
James,
This is difficult to explain in words but the second bolt is directly above the bottom one. Imagine a large oval, thats the shapre of the starter where it attches to the engine.. You may find it easier to locate by standing on something next to the front drivers side wheel and leaning in to the engine bay as far as possible and basically feeling around. Once you've found it from the top side you should have some confidence of where to poke the 10mm hex. You won't be able to see it, this is done by feel alone.
Once you've located it if possible get a helper to guide the hex on the end of the extension bar from engine bay whilst you operate the ratchet end underneath the car.
Good luck,
Russ
Russ,
THX for this, will try again, what about the guard, is the bolt above or below.
Cheers
James
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Peter,
Thanks for the advice, will remove it (if I can find) this weekend and post results.
Cheers
James