Starter motor issue.

[robv70rdesign]

Hi all,
So for the last few days when I go to start my v70 1.6d you hear the starter motor spinning but it isn't engaging with the fly wheel so not cranking the engine. It only does it for the first try when cold and again when leaving work. Starts up fine on second try. If i have done a small trip it starts fine after that. So question is, can you swap the solenoid or is it a new starter motor? Or is it something else?
Thanks

[cheshired5]

Solenoid sounds fine as it's engaging the main motor.
It will be the throw out mechanism which is jamming and that could be freed up by opening up and cleaning the starter.
Volvo engine starters are usually Bosch so very reliable and easy to service if needed. Not sure what make they fit to the Ford engines though.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by cheshired5

Solenoid sounds fine as it's engaging the main motor.
It will be the throw out mechanism which is jamming and that could be freed up by opening up and cleaning the starter.
Volvo engine starters are usually Bosch so very reliable and easy to service if needed. Not sure what make they fit to the Ford engines though.

Ford unfortunately I would get a replacement starter ... Probably a brush problem .. Ford alternators and starters are not the same quality as volvo ones and faults can happen .

[mjk164]

I would say the throw out drive is sticking on the shaft due to a build up of dirt and cold weather. As you have to take it off anyway, I would clean the spiral drive so that the gear easily goes back and forth under that light spring pressure; don't put any oil on it as it will only attract muck again, but if anything, a little graphite powder (you can make up your own from a 2B pencil) can be used. You can also clean up (or renew) the brushes at the same time. I have the same problem on my Austin Healey 3000 which I have had since 1964, but starter motor access is bad, and I have drilled a small hole in the bell housing to be able to squirt some WD40 or similar when it happens. Does the job.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by mjk164

I would say the throw out drive is sticking on the shaft due to a build up of dirt and cold weather. As you have to take it off anyway, I would clean the spiral drive so that the gear easily goes back and forth under that light spring pressure; don't put any oil on it as it will only attract muck again, but if anything, a little graphite powder (you can make up your own from a 2B pencil) can be used. You can also clean up (or renew) the brushes at the same time. I have the same problem on my Austin Healey 3000 which I have had since 1964, but starter motor access is bad, and I have drilled a small hole in the bell housing to be able to squirt some WD40 or similar when it happens. Does the job.

I know what you mean about the old Lucan Bendix gear :-)
But these modern starters don't do this , i haven't heard of this problem in the
16 years they have been around with these starters , they just fail electrically .

[robv70rdesign]

Now its warmed up weather wise it hasn't done it again. It's a valeo brand starter motor. Think might look at giving it a clean but does look a pain to get it off!
Thanks