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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Starter Motor Noise

Hi,

Every time I start the engine there is a nasty noise I think coming from the starter motor.

I've recorded a video:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F_E68fF_43CycRuh5yyEFgSGBHYNE-hs/view?usp=share_link

If I turn the engine over with central HT lead disconnected so the engine doesn't fire there is no noise, it turns over normally for as long as I turn the key.

It is only when the engine fires up that the noise happens for a couple of seconds.

Any ideas would be very welcome before I try to remove it.

Many thanks

James


James Paul

My money is on dry bushes in the starter, there's one each end and one inside the end of the bendix
William Revit

What's the solution if it is the bushes?
James Paul

James that sounds to me like the bendix isn't returning fast enough.

It should spring back very quickly without binding. Clean it. Don't grease it, that attracts gunge. A very light bit of clean engine oil, very sparingly, just to make it slide up and down the spiral smoothly.

anamnesis

and sneak some oil into the bushes while it's out
There's the posibility that the bush in the end of the bendix drive just inside the geardrive end has broken up or come out, you'll need to check there's not too much clearance(slop) on th shaft there as that'll jam the bendix as well .
William Revit

My vote is the bendix too! How old is the S/Motor?? It may be due an overhaul.
Bob Beaumont

I agree about the bendix- it's got a bit "lazy" and isn't throwing out quick enough. Clean it as Anam says, maybe with carb cleaner. It doesn't want to be sticky and should spin back promptly when you turn it manually.
Bill Bretherton

Yep - sticking bendix. But as Willy said a check on the bushes while it's on the bench is quick and easy. There shouldn't be any any discernible radial movement.
The spiral and bendix need to be super clean. Use carb cleaner or brake cleaner and an airline if you have one.
As for lubrication don't use oil, it will just make it happen again all the sooner. FWIW I've had success with dry PTFE spray. The liquid component evaporates immediately and the only residue is PTFE; the only thing more slippery than a career politician.
Good luck!
Greybeard

I am sure I once ruined a starter motor when attempting to change the brushes. The windings were aluminium and the ends were swaged to the copper brush leads. I cut the leads off close to the aluminium and wasn't able solder on new ones. The trick is to leave a bit of the old coper lead on the aluminium so there is something for the solder to bond with.


Jan T
J Targosz

Jan
Yes, there's a fairly recent thread about that where some of us attempted various joining techniques with variable success. Also, you have to be very careful loosening the external cable term8nal or you can break the internal aluminium lead. DAMHIK...
Bill Bretherton

Hi,

Pulled the stater out and there was some black oiliness on the main shaft.

Gave it a thorough clean up as advised and it’s back in a working perfectly!

Many thanks again!

James
James Paul

If only they were all that easy lol!
Well done.
Greybeard

Nice one--no excuse not to drive it now, just in time for the weather getting better too-
William Revit

This thread was discussed between 06/03/2023 and 07/03/2023

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