Starter motor issues when warm

[SammoVWT]

Hi again,

Well im back with something new that i discovered, I did a quick search on starter motors but couldnt find anything definitive.

Ok to put it bluntly, when the engine is cold, I have no problem starting the car, the starter motor engages and it starts up (normal speed etc)

When its warm, if i turn off the car and restart it, the motor will try to engage and then buzz. At first i thought it might be the terminals/contacts. Cleaned them (even though they werent dirty) - and I get the same issue.

Everything is tight as it should be.

However if i put the car into gear, and bring up the clutch the starter will engage and start the car (and it moves the car no problem at full motor speed, so not an electrical issue that i can think of) - So i think the motor itself is ok.

Im now unsure if its the solenoid going bad, or if something is dirty, or if whatever gear is engaging the starter is worn etc.

I just need a few pointers as to whether this can be repaired, or if im looking at a replacement, or even how to remove the thing if possible.

1.6 AEE, i can get a part number for the starter if needed (hopefully)

EDIT: Im starting to think its gotten dirty when i changed my coolant, and its lodged dirt inside the motor which isnt letting it engage properly, but then im confused as to why this would only happen when warm. I think the buzzing must be the motor turning freely. I may well just have to replace it, just didnt fancy spending £100+ on a new one

Cheers

[mattymatt]

However if i put the car into gear, and bring up the clutch the starter will engage and start the car (and it moves the car no problem at full motor speed, so not an electrical issue that i can think of) - So i think the motor itself is ok.


This is just a guess ... when you put the car into gear and bring the clutch up are you altering the position of the crankshaft (ie doing this in a running car can stall it) ? Could it be the crankshaft sensor on it's way out ?

I don't know why it would work fine when the engine is cold, but not work when it's hot ~ perhaps it's just starting to fail and this inability to start when hot is the first symptom ... rough running being the second ...

Maybe worth a shot tho :)

[SammoVWT]

Once it cranks its fine, starts, not cutting out. Definately not a position sensor, as the distributor is only a couple of months old. Car runs spot on, its just getting it started.

Im wondering if the gear that engages the flywheel is worn, and seems to connect better when cold at this moment in time.

It sounds like its freewheeling when its hot. Perhaps engaging a gear while trying to crank moves the flywheel enough to get it started

[SammoVWT]

Well after a bit of investigation after work, it seems more like the shaft is slow to engage with the flywheel. It stuck a little when cold (as in motor whirring but no sign of engaging)

Turned the ignition off for a second and back on and then the lovely normal starter motor sound started, and all was well. Repeated this twice in a row.

I have a feeling that the gear/shaft is dirty and could do with a clean and re-grease. As an experiment, I shoved some WD40 where the starter meets the bellhousing and let it soak for a while. It seemed to make starting a little easier, even when hot. So my money is on this for now.

Im thinking it might be the solenoid as a backup but i'll need to find out what make it is before I can go about swapping parts out.

First port of call will be to remove it and give it a good clean and then inspect for damage I think.

Should I be aware of any of the particular mounting bolts on an AEE block, or is it a standard 3 bolts and whip it out job?

The haynes manual was less than clear, stating that it shares some mounting with the gearbox and requires the engine to be supported to remove it. This seems overly excessive, but without having the chance to have a proper look under it im not sure myself.

Also would anyone reccomend any particular type of oil/grease for lubing this part back up?

Thanks in advance.

[SammoVWT]

Traced it back to the dreaded ignition switch. Im now debating whether to replace the switch (PITA) because i need that spline tool, or to fit a push button start.

[SammoVWT]

Update again: I got the meters out, and found i was getting a slight voltage drop on ignition position 2, so I cleaned up all the terminals again, couldnt get to the one under the battery tray as one of the tray bolts was rusted in. Voltage drop on ignition now cured, so the ignition switch is fine.

Now im left with the solenoid breaking down with heat. So new starter motor needed. Boo :(