Starter motor slow to turn initially

[toopy]

Starting the car earlier, it acted like the battery was flat, i tried a couple of times, but it wouldn't go.

Charged the battery for a couple of hours, as although the meter said 12v, it seemed the obvious problem.

Starter still slow, would start to turn, but then stop, i persevered a few more times, and it sprung into life and the engine fired!

For as long as i can remember, the starter has always been the same, I.E. it churns a couple of times as if the battery is low, but then seems to gather it's thoughts and spins normally, and the engine then fires no problem.
Up until today i just assumed it was a quirk of this particular motor and I haven't been phased by it, as the car has always started no problem, even after a 6 month winter lay up each year!

It would appear now though the time has come, to source a new or good used replacement.

Anyone else experienced similar, as it is a bit odd?

 

[jonbills]

Could be the starter, but worth Checking out the electrical leads too. Maybe bad lead or connection.

 

[IbanezDan51]

Lazy starter. Hit it with a hammer and look at getting a new one ASAP.

 

[toopy]

Could be the starter, but worth Checking out the electrical leads too. Maybe bad lead or connection.

The leads were renewed about 10 yrs ago, plus the starter was off earlier in the year for painting, so the cable ends were cleaned and greased before refitting.

 

[AliK]

I have a spare starter you can borrow / try - you know where to find me

 

[toopy]

I have a spare starter you can borrow / try - you know where to find me

Thanks buddy, car is tucked away for the winter now so with plenty of time, I’ll likely just get a replacement

 

[Huw]

Might be worth looking at the brushes and cleaning the commutator before shelling out for a replacement. Brushes are pretty easy to get replaced.

 

[toopy]

Might be worth looking at the brushes and cleaning the commutator before shelling out for a replacement. Brushes are pretty easy to get replaced.

You're probably right, but i fancy a nice new shiny one, I'm feeling a little left out on the bling side of things, judging by the numerous pics of immaculate engine bays recently!

 

[Huw]

I can relate to that

 

[Jimbo]

can also be a dodgy solenoid not pulling the starter back far enough and making a poor internal contact to spin the motor.
either way unless you have a spare solenoid to try it still requires a new starter.
mine has the annoying click click sound where its pulling back but not spinning, i know its the solenoid and have a spare but haven't got around to changing it yet.

 

[toopy]

can also be a dodgy solenoid not pulling the starter back far enough and making a poor internal contact to spin the motor.
either way unless you have a spare solenoid to try it still requires a new starter.
mine has the annoying click click sound where its pulling back but not spinning, i know its the solenoid and have a spare but haven't got around to changing it yet.

I had considered that, but it was actually engaging the fly wheel, but was only jolting the engine and not turning it, which is why i initially thought it was the battery.