Outer Limits 4x4 Board

I got stuck in the coles carpark yesterday when the starter motor wouldn't engage with flywheel. I have the starter motor apart and the solenoid is moving freely. Is it possible that the coil in the solenoid has lost continuity? I guess that would mean getting a new solenoid. If so then I guess I better finally go buy myself a multimeter.

ps. How good is racv total care. waited 40 minutes for him to give me a push.

muppet_man67 wrote:I got stuck in the coles carpark yesterday ramping my car taking poser shots ..........

That'll learn you

While you've got it off, strip and clean the entire starter.

We had the same problem last year. Thought it was the solenoid but had it checked and was ok. Replace the brushes myself for 5 bucks, got the comm lathed for 10 bucks. Best $15 I've spent on the Zuk in a long time and definitely better than 200+ we were quoted for a recon unit.

muppet_man67 wrote:ps. How good is racv total care. waited 40 minutes for him to give me a push.

everyone should have total care it is by far the best modification I ever did on the Sierra. I reckon I used over $3000 worth of tows alone plus accommodation for 7 people and meal vouchers

I always take mine out, take it to an auto elec, usually $110 or there abouts to have it recoed

Other probs inside starter can mimic faulty solenoid, cos they rob power from solenoid.

I bet its been mudded up inside.

christover

christover1 wrote:I always take mine out, take it to an auto elec, usually $110 or there abouts to have it recoed

Other probs inside starter can mimic faulty solenoid, cos they rob power from solenoid.

I bet its been mudded up inside.

christover

My GU had the exact thing happen. Spoke to two auto elect they both said along the lines of "common fault on a GU, you'll need a full reco at $150-170"

An hour to pul it off, strip it, clean it with some carby clean, a quick lube and it's still going. Total cost $FREEBIE

i got a new hi toque one cost 229 from my locel leco

grimbo wrote:

muppet_man67 wrote:ps. How good is racv total care. waited 40 minutes for him to give me a push.

everyone should have total care it is by far the best modification I ever did on the Sierra. I reckon I used over $3000 worth of tows alone plus accommodation for 7 people and meal vouchers

I have total care! HAvn't neded it yet but will one day for sure! Good thing to have behind me i reckon!

As for the starter motor when mines not engaging properly i just give it a wack with my mag lite!

suzuki boy wrote:
As for the starter motor when mines not engaging properly i just give it a wack with my mag lite!

This is because your solenoid is full of crud and a bit stiff. mine moves freely. I got a multimeter and there is continuity through the solenoid and the starter moter. I guess though if it were shorting out there would still be continuity? I might just hook it up to the battery and check how it doesn't work. Then off to an auto elec.

So what do i do to clean it? Just take it out and spray with wd40 or something or is it more involved! It's a prick to get in and out from memorie!

It only happens once a month or so, so if it's a more indepth thing i'll just leave it!

Just get it reconditioned, i had two dud starters from my running sierra and my spare chassis sierra, gave em both to auto elec and got one good one back for $100.

Dont use wd40 as it will stay in the coils and probably go bang or catch on fire. thats why they use carbie cleaner It dries in no time and dosent leave a greasy film to atract more dust and grime to jam it up even more

Fair enough thanks for that!

Might leave it till it really starts to piss me off!

I got it reconditioned. cost $120 It wasn't an electrical problem mud had worn away the shaft so that basicly the starter was turning but it wasn't turning the gear at the other end. The guy was keen to emphasis that the 12 month warranty didn't cover starter motors full of mud.

suziboy its a tight to get too it but there is only two screws on the end of the solenoid. If you could get the solenoid off, and give it a clean out and free it up it would probably solve your problem.

Might give it a go sometime soon!

Thanks heaps for that!