acaie Posted April 5, 2018 Report Share Posted April 5, 2018 The starter motor seems to have seized on my Grinnall 3.5V8. Questions: 1) Will I have to remove it to solve the problem?2) Is it is a bit of a swine to get at? 3) Should I replace it?4) With what?Thanks in anticipationAl Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wayne Scott Posted April 6, 2018 Report Share Posted April 6, 2018 I'm very happy with my Powerlite high torque starter on my Grinnall. I had to remove the exhaust manifold that side to get access when I took the old one out, the new high torque motor will fit through the gap, but the old one didn't. I think it depends on what manifold you have on as well. Once the manifold is out of the way it's dead easy. Not sure what you mean by seized, if it is spinning but not engaging with the flywheel then most likely you just need to change the solenoid on the top. If the motor itself is dead then even to fit new brushes you will have to remove it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
acaie Posted April 7, 2018 Author Report Share Posted April 7, 2018 Thanks Wayne. When the starter is operated there is an unpleasant noise but the engine does not turn. I believe the gear is stuck engaged with the flywheel. In the early 70s I was able to solve this on a car with a bendix gear starter by rocking the car in top gear. I am cautious about trying this with the pre-engaged starter on the V8. Best wishes Al Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TR8IAN Posted April 7, 2018 Report Share Posted April 7, 2018 HiAcaie, You could try rocking the car and see if It does free the startermotor.I would also check that the connections to the battery are good and tight and that the earth connection to the engine is good. It is a bit of a pain to get the startermotor out of the car and as Wayne says you may have to remove the exhaust manifold or at least the steering shaft to try and lift it out. Is the battery Ok is there a good charge. The starter draws quite a lot from the battery and if it is down in power you may show issues. There are still companies around which will refurbish your old unit or the usual suppliers will sell you replacements either the same or "High Torque". Cheers Ian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
acaie Posted April 13, 2018 Author Report Share Posted April 13, 2018 (edited) Powerlite starter fitted by my local garage man, who's done a few starters on V8 Discos and LRs. He didn't need to take the manifold off, but he did need to get the car on a a hoist to get the starter out downwards. Got the Powerlite on line from ebay - change (small) from £200. The Powerlite is a totally different animal to the original one, whizzes up the engine instead of struggling to get it over tdc, and draws much less current so there is ennough spark to start it in the first revolution. Provided it lasts, it's definitely much improved technology and recommended. Thanks to all for advice and encouragement. Al Edited April 13, 2018 by acaie Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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