Spitzinbitz Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 The starter on my Spitfire has not been engaging correctly. I notice that as well as the thick spacer between the motor and the engine plate, there should also be a shim - which I don't have. Can anyone tell me how thick this shim is and whether it's absence could stop the starter pinion engaging with the flywheel ring gear correctly? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esxefi Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 if you have the original bendix type starter check that the earth connection is good and tight.also the motor brushes can wear reducing performance and the bendix can clog up with dust preventing it engaging.the shims are only thin so I would be surprised if not having one would mean engagement or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spitzinbitz Posted August 18, 2015 Author Share Posted August 18, 2015 It does engage but sounds like it wants to jam before jumping out of engagement again. Connections are good and its a new (recon) starter. Have the shim on order so will let you know if it makes a difference . . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esxefi Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 a new starter you say,....does it have the same type of pinion gear as the old one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard B Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 Read the workshop manual, (should be some online if you do not have one.) It will tell you how to measure the starter and the flywheel to backplate distances to see if you need shimming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markythesparky Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 been covered before seeSorry , link no longer available Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spitzinbitz Posted August 19, 2015 Author Share Posted August 19, 2015 Okay - spacer is now fitted and things apear to be much better. However there is still a slight tendency for the pinion to jump out of engagement as the engine starts to turn - almost like the engine is too heavy for the starter to cope (battery is new and fully charged). I'm beginning to think now that the problem is partly down to the newly rebuilt engine being just a little 'tight' with good compression . . . . . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonny-Jimbo Posted August 20, 2015 Share Posted August 20, 2015 If you think the starter motor is slow, have you checked the wiring to the starter? The starter cables on my car were crap, and turned out to be part of the starting issue I was having.I bought new cable from Vehicle Wiring products (I think, they're in Ilkestone) and solder on ends and now it's much better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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