Jim,
One other thing that will cause the starter to fun slow on cold mornings
is an incorrect timing adjustment. (But then you "knew" that)!
Joe
Gambony, Jim wrote:
>
> Malcom,
>
> I'm not sure which model you're working with.....
>
> A starter rebuild itself isn't too difficult, provided you have all the
> correct tools (lath for cleaning commutator contacts, good ohmeter to check
> winding, busing installers, etc). Something everyone has in their workshop
> :)
>
> However, there are several reasons why your starter might be sluggish...
>
> 1) Battery running low
> a) water level low?
> b) electrical "leak" somewhere in the system
> c) generator/alternator not charging properly (doesn't sound like
> this if the car is "ok" the day after running)
>
> 2) resistance at connections from battery to starter
> a) Battery terminal leads clean and tight?
> b) connections at solenoid clean and tight?
> c) connection at starter clean and tight?
>
> 3) Bad cable (not highly likely, but not impossible)
>
> 4) Solenoid not making good contact internally.
>
> The best way to troubleshoot is to get a voltmeter (cheap one is ok) and
> start checking voltages, starting at the battery. At rest the battery
> should show somewhere between 12.5v to 13.5v.. much less than the 12.5 and
> somethings not right. Then start testing down the electical path,
> finishing with testing on the starter post while cranking the starter. If
> while cranking the voltage drops much below 10v then there's a problem
> upstream of the starter.
>
> If the problem seems to be the starter, can I suggest a rebuilt unit instead
> of trying to rebuild your unit? I've rebuilt DC motors since I was 10 yrs
> old (slot cars anyone?) and after pulling apart the starter that came on my
> '73 Spitfire (field lead fried and welded to the casing) I've been more than
> happy to let the professional rebuilders have their money!
>
> Locally I've been getting quotes of $80 USD to rebuild... but last time I
> looked at British Parts Northwest (blatant plug!) they had the Spitfire
> starter at $48 usd + exchange. Now's the time of year that some of the
> other suppliers have some specials... so it may not be much more painful
> than all the pieces you were going to buy from Vicky B.
>
> JMO.. of course!
--
"If you can't excel with talent, triumph with effort."
-- Dave Weinbaum in National Enquirer
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