Starter Problems

[perksy]

First off thanks for all the help. I'll be going in at the weekend and the plan is as follows:

.

2.Try and get a look at the clutch thrust, through the hole where the starter should be. It was getting noisy and probably due for replacement, maybe its fell too bits.

Better still, Remove the Rubber cover where the Clutch release arm exits at the side of the bellhousing.

You'll get a decent view of the Release bearing and spacer assembly.

You'll also be able to check the operation of the cable, and detach the cable from the release arm if you need to look further.

Just done this job meself  

As for the Gearbox, Engine out first....

[dawsac]

Update time.

After all the messing around it was the starter that was knackered, it worked fine until it tried to turn the engine over. The problem now is identifiying it, there is no makers name but there is a number on it, its VS9124. Ring any bells?

I disconnected the clutch cable and cut the cable ties so I could straigthen it out and hey presto it freed off. I can only assume that it has frayed inside and it will probably sieze again. So heres the same question anyone know the make model etc?

While I was under the car I found another suprise, a dribble of water, but I think I'll save that one for another day.

[Blatman]

MT75/Zetec starter discussion here, assuming you have an MT75 gearbox. You haven't actually said...

[dawsac]

Yes I have the MT75/Zetec combination, but it says in the build manual that the flywheel is from Burton Power, 216mm steel, part No FZ250.

Does anyone know if I can use the Lucas LRS707 with this flywheel?

My actual starter looks the same as the one in the Westfield Catalogue "Small bodied suitable for Zetec cable operated"

Part No 2951008

[Kevin Wood]

I think you'll find the Burton flywheel requires a different starter to the LRS707. I have the starter you describe and it came with a Raceline flywheel which is the same as the Burton one I think.

The two starters are identical apart from the position of the pinion when engaged because the ring gear is in a different position.

I believe the starter is a crossflow pre-engaged type but not 100% sure.

Best bet would be to ask Burtons or go to a factors and see if they can cross reference that part number.

Kevin

[dawsac]

I've been to 3 different factors and none of them have been have been able to cross reference the part. Unipart say they rang Westfield and that the part number is Westfileds own. Aparently Westfield use the alloy casting and gear from one starter and the body from another and that is why the part cannot be cross referenced, as its actually made from two different starters.

I'm getting a bit pi!!ed off now, is nothing simple with these machines?

I did manage to find a starter that was very similar the only obvious deifference being that the small gear went further in on start up. I could buy this at £60 and risk making a spacer to make it engage correctly, however if I can't make it work its a waste of £60 and I might end up damaging the flywheel.

I'm going to contact the original builder to see if he can remember anything about the original starter motor.

I'll keep you posted.

[west2.1]

For what its worth, had a similar problem a while back (not zetec tho')The starter was at fault, energised enough to engage pinion, but couldnt spin the flywheel. something to do with the windings in the starter motor being knackered. Bought a new starter, end of problem!

Regards, Paul....

[dawsac]

After stripping down the starter I found the same thing. However the problem is because of the assortment of different bits I can't source a new one until I know the part number etc.

[dawsac]

Just ordered a new starter and a clutch cable direct from Westfield.

For future reference Westfield Part No 2951008 is suitable for use with the 2ltr Zetec/MT75 combination and a lightened flywheel.

[dawsac]

I've sussed it at last.

I ordered my starter and clutch cable and was looking forward to getting back on the road, when a workmate caught sight of the starter. He asked what was wrong with it and I explained, he suggested that as we were in the area we should call at his mates little garage as he was an auto electrician.

Seemed like a good idea, so I had it checked out and guess what he said there was now't wrong with it, so I rang Westfield and cancelled the new starter.

By now I was getting ready to give in and call a professional, but I had one last look. Whilst kneeling outside the cockpit and peering under the dash, I turned the key, nothing as usual, but this time I held the key in the start position for a couple of seconds and heard a very faint hissing sound. I did it again and this time I saw a little puff of smoke, you've guessed it, from the position where the clutch cable passes into the engine bay.

All was clear this was the reason for both problems, the siezed clutch and the ignition failure.

I changed the cable and away she went.

As an extra precaution, I think I'll fit an extra earth strap from somewhere near the clutch pedal, to the bell housing and hopefully the problem will be bannished.

Thanks for all the help and watch this space!!!!