John,
The starters are pretty strong. What happens is there are four
brushes in the starters. Two complete circuits of current flowing
through the windings.
When the brushes start "acting up" usually the starter will start
the car just fine, but crank the engine at a slower speed. Suddenly
the "bump back" seems a little more noticeable on a cold engine.
I pulled my starter (ugh) and just take off the end plate to inspect
the brushes. Nissan wanted something like $20 for the four, when you
could still buy them. Local alternator/starter repair shop was able
to match the brushes up and I bought a set of four for $4.00. Using
my trusty 150Watt Weller Iron I was able to solder the new leads fine.
Starter worked fine ever since.
Oh, inside of the starter there is some thin mica. Insulating material
that should be left in place. Also years of clutch dust will build up
inside the of the starter. Just needs to be cleaned out with clean
solvent after you disassemble everything. Do NOT soak the starter in
solvent, only rinse it off. No need to get the winding insulation
soaking wet. Regrease the bushings, and inspect them for wear.
If all else fails, call up your favorite roadster supplier and get
a new starter. ;-)
SIDE NOTE: On Race cars with HIGH COMPRESSION, it is best to have
a seperate "starter button". Start the engine cranking over... then
turn on the ignition. Two things, the heat of compression will held
"preheat" the cylinder head, and since the motor is already cranking
at a higher speed once you apply ignition it will catch much easier
without the "bump back".
Tom Walter
John Schmitt wrote:
>
> I have had a problem with starting my 2L for a couple years. I have the
> presmog Dist and have timing set to 16degrees.
>
> When I turn the key, I get a half a revolution then is stops then turns
> again and stops. Usually this is not too much of a problem because the car
> starts in one or two revs. When the hood is up, the fan turns properly
> then almost like I have a timing problem reverses direction for an inch or
> two the repeats. I listened with interest a couple weeks ago and everyone
> said a similar problem was the starter. I have a spare starter so I
> swapped it out and, for a couple starts, seemed to be fine but yesterday is
> was back to the same old tricks.
>
> Like I said, it really seems like a timing issue and am wondering if this
> could be the result of having a presmog dist with timing at 16 degrees.
> Or, could it be not enough current to the starter? I have a new battery
> and charge it with a trickle charger periodically if, like now, it is not
> driven often.
>
> John Schmitt Telecommuter External # - 847-458-7829
> pager 800-759-8888 pin# 8710561
|