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Starter motor problem?

I have a new battery (ten months old) but am having problems turning the engine over via the starter motor. When I turn the engine over, it feels and sounds as though the battery is going flat, and it is very lazy in turning the engine over. I have tapped the starter motor casing with a hammer and the motor tends to speed up slightly, enabling the engine to start. I have been told that I could possibly take the starter motor off, clean it internally with petrol, and re-grease it, and this could be one way of sorting out the problem. I would like to know how to re-grease it and how much grease to use but, with your experience in these matters, I would welcome your advice.

Many thanks

Asked on 23 August 2011 by AdyCallahan

Answered by Alan Ross
Hi there, well firstly i would suggest that you check the voltage at your battery terminals(use a volt meter). You should have something like 13v (not less than 12v)If less than 12v start the engine if possible and then check the voltage whilst the engine is running, you should have in excess of 13v, if not then you may have a problem with the alternator.

If the battery is ok then would suggest that you check the earthing and also the connections for the starter motor. Also check the earthing side of the battery to chassis.

The insides of the starter motor are pure electrical (ie wiring) and as such would not need cleaning with petrol/grease.
The only part that would need greasing if at all is the actual pinion which engages with the flywheel.

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