Starter motor woes !!!! [update] FIXED AND ON THE ROAD !

[naylor04]

Today i took off my old starter motor and stripped the solenoid, was quite surprised at how easy it was being a complete novice.
I cleaned and greased the solenoid and the starter motor cog was turning freely.
I put the starter motor back in its place and re-wired it back togethor. I turned the ignition only to get the same "clicking" noise i was getting before i removed the damned thing. Now i have my battery on charge, hoping that in the morning it will have enough power to to actually engauge the whatchymacallit to start the car. I'm waiting for delivery of a 2nd hand starter so i can get my car back on the road but today thought i'd have a tinkle with it myself, you know how that feels. It must have killed 2hrs easily.
If the battery charge thingy dont work then its deffo the starter and ive got one coming so no probs there.
If i'm wafling blame the red/whte wine and the Sol ive been drinking tonite, sorry !!!!!
Fingers crossed and all that malarky. i may just get my car back onthe road tomorrow if the battery thing works !

[Brianmoooore]

The faulty bit is right at the far end of the solenoid assmbly, the end the wires go on. Get any grease on these bits, and if it wasn't faulty before, it soon will be!

[naylor04]

To be honest Brian i think its on its way out, i can only get to start the car by giving it a good whack, and thats only hit-and-miss, doesnt always work. I gave the bat'y a good full charge last night and still no good, hopefully getting a replcement starter delivered tomorrow and see how i get on, should be ok tho'.
I got it to start by hitting it this morning but i cant be doing with it all the time. Should be ok by tomoorow (if it comes).

Lee.

[Brianmoooore]

Before you fit the new starter, check the teeth on the piion gear are the same. Startyer motors vary in size and shape and some use a bracket at the backn end. None of this maters, but the number of teeth does.

[naylor04]

Thanks for the advice Brian, will check . As its not a brand new one ive bought i'm hoping its going to be the same, its from an 89 325i.

[naylor04]

I got home from work today to find my replacement s/motor had been delivered. Fitted in double quick time and my baby started first time. YYYYYYYYYYeSSSSSSSSSSSSS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



So now i'm back in the land of rwd madness again, also feeling full of myself as in the last 7 days ive fitted my exhaust and now replaced my starter motor and i'm no mechanic i can tell you.My confidence is growing all the time thanks to all the help from you guys on the zone.
You know who you are.



Lee.

[orkboss]

It's a good feeling isn't it!

[naylor04]

You are not joking mate, my next project is to replace my front springs, front passenger side has snappped and its causing my tryes to wear on the outside.

Lee.

[GDBN]

Well done, mate ..... nice to be back hacking round the roads ??
Chuffed to bits myself as I finally got my idle sorted ...
G

[320Touring]

well done mate-nowt better than oil on hands and a sweet running motor

(apart from oil on a good looking girl )