C43 starter motor...

[Feeble]

I have got an issue with my car at the moment, it is not starting on the key first time as it usually does. This started happening after I drove through a flooded road and got the car soaking wet (stupid...).

It normally fires up on the second attempt. The first try is always a failure when the car is cold, but there is a scraping noise from the engine and the rev counter goes up a bit too.

From what I've seen on the forums, it could be a starter motor issue, and it might need some lubricant on the shaft... Do you think this sounds ok?

I need to know where exactly the starter motor is located? I can't see it from the top so assume I'll have to get it up on the ramps. Don't know if I am being thick, but I can't work out the location from any photos of C43 engines that I have found on the internet either... Also, what is the best lubricant to use?

Any and all advice will be appreciated!

 

[nb_racing]

This sound like a common problem;
The ring gear is dry by the sounds if it.
Yes, you'll need to get it up on a ramp, starter motor off, get some aluminium grease (like copper grease, but ali), and paint a thin coat on the ring gear on the flywheel all the way around.
You'll need a pry bar to gently turn the engine over to get to all of it.
Should be right as rain after that.

 

[Feeble]

Thanks for that! When I say ramps, I mean the diy ramps you have at home in the garage. Is this doable on those or are we looking at proper workshop ramps?

Aluminium grease eh? Can't say I have heard of it, but am familiar with copper slip! Thanks again!

 

[Feeble]

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/391008048098?_mwBanner=1

Is that the kind of thing you are referring to?

 

[stwat]

Lubrication, Cleaning - Grease - Aluminium Grease (500g) - Workshop Supplies & Consumables - Beal UK | Workshop Equipment | Garage Supplies

 

[Feeble]

Magic. Cheers for that.

Am I wrong in thinking there is a plate I can remove to access the ring gear? Or is the only option to remove the starter motor?

 

[Auto-mobile]

Starter motor one side and blanking plate the other, I'd remove the starter motor and coat that to.

 

[Feeble]

No point removing the blanking plate really then? Cheers mate, gonna get this done soon!

Don't drive the car much from one week to the next but it's not gonna do it any good leaving it as it is!

 

[andy27168]

Hi Matt sorry never replied to your message the other day was a bit busy when you messaged, and then completely forgot till I saw this thread
But it looks like you have got some good advice and do get the Aluminium grease and make sure you but some on the starter drive as well as the ring gear.
The starter is located low on the passenger side and comes out from underneath.
I don,t mean to teach you to suck eggs, but do make sure you disconnect the battery as the large cable is connected directly to the battery.
Hope you had a great Christmas and a good new year.

 

[nb_racing]

Thanks for that! When I say ramps, I mean the diy ramps you have at home in the garage. Is this doable on those or are we looking at proper workshop ramps? Aluminium grease eh? Can't say I have heard of it, but am familiar with copper slip! Thanks again!

Yes, if you're happy lying down you should be fine on those low ramps.

And, yes, what they all said!

 

[Feeble]

Cheers for all your advice! Gonna wait til it's dry I think!

No problem Andy, happy New year to you too!