Don't like the adverts?  Click here to remove them

Starter keeps spinning once engine is running

G

Guest

Guest
I've had this twice in the last week, so I think I have a problem.

The starter motor starts the engine fine, but then continues to whirr
away despite the key being released. No grinding noises, just an
electric motor running under zero load, in fact I didn't notice it for a
minute or so the first time. If you turn off the engine the starter,
still turning, starts it again and then disengages properly.

Its a Euro spec 1HD-FT diesel with the 12v/24v switchover for starting,
but as far as I can see it is swapping back to 12v correctly when the
key is released so I don't *think* its the 12/24 changeover relay. It's
a bit difficult to tell because 99% of the time it behaves properly, and
the two times it has happened have been on the public road in town
making it a bit difficult to stop and figure out what's happening.

It feels like a weak return spring, but aren't these starters
permanently engaged?

Any advice welcome.

Thanks

Christopher Bell
Devon, UK
1996 1HD-FT
____________________________________________________________
Electronic mail messages entering and leaving Arup business
systems are scanned for acceptability of content and viruses
 
Hi Chris

Same problem last year but in my case it was starting the engine
continuously to the point it began to smoke the starter. No way to stop
it till disconnected battery, so it makes huge sense to have a breaker
installed which I have not done yet stupid me! Replaced starter with
Milner's one and no problems again touch wood. Couple of hours work
worst case scenario. 1st symptoms were the occasional occurrence but
don't ignore it take my word that it does not get better on its own!

All the best


Simon Hughes
'93 80TLC

Tel: 020 7549 3663
Mobile: 07973 288061
Mail: [Email address removed]
 
Hi Christopher,
This sounds like the beginning of the end for your starter contacts, I
believe they are replaceable but have never done it. Ian may be able to chip
in here as he had similar symptoms on his 1HD-FT in the past.
All the best,
Toby
1990 HDJ80 UK
Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com
 
Christopher,
I'm sure this has cropped up before but sadly my brain can't remember
the cause(s). So have a quick search on the Birfield archives, a few
choice keywords should reveal all.
It may well be the contacts.
Gareth Jones.
 
Simon

Given that my starter is - at present - fine I'm reluctant to replace it
if all it needs is a spring, although I can see why you might have
swapped yours if had got to the smoking stage! Did you actually
diagnose the cause?
CB
Hi Chris

Same problem last year but in my case it was starting the engine
continuously to the point it began to smoke the starter. No way to stop
it till disconnected battery, so it makes huge sense to have a breaker
installed which I have not done yet stupid me! Replaced starter with
Milner's one and no problems again touch wood. Couple of hours work
worst case scenario. 1st symptoms were the occasional occurrence but
don't ignore it take my word that it does not get better on its own!
Simon Hughes
____________________________________________________________
Electronic mail messages entering and leaving Arup business
systems are scanned for acceptability of content and viruses
 
Gareth & Toby
My memory says contacts too, although I think the symptoms of that are
"click, but no rotation".
The contacts were replaced about 3 years ago, but maybe you are right.
I'll keep collecting ideas.
Thanks
CB
|Christopher,
|
|I'm sure this has cropped up before but sadly my brain can't remember
|the cause(s). So have a quick search on the Birfield archives, a few
|choice keywords should reveal all.
|
|It may well be the contacts.
|
|Gareth Jones.
____________________________________________________________
Electronic mail messages entering and leaving Arup business
systems are scanned for acceptability of content and viruses
 
Don't like the adverts?  Click here to remove them
Sticking starter solenoid?
Short across ignition switch terminals?
Pete
 
Hi Chris,
Sounds very like worn solenoid contacts. The plunger is pulled down by a
electrical coil the contact on the plunger is circular so it can contact
anywhere. The contact on the starter outside side is live positive all
the time, the one on the inside connects to the starter motor itself.
Due to arcing the outside contact tends to wear more as the current
first flows through it then into the other contact as the plunger pulls
down to engage the contacts it also pushes the drive pinion out to
engage the ring gear. When one contact gets badly worn the plunger sits
lopsided in its bore and tends to jam which is what I suspect yours is
doing. A friends truck had the exact same symptoms and a fresh set of
solenoid contacts fixed it. But sort it sooner rather than later or you
can destroy the stater beyond repair or worse yet trash a ring gear
which means engine or gearbox out to fix.
The parts are easy to fit just under the tin cover held on by 3 m5 bolts
by the power in wire.
Cheers,
Craig.
Christopher Bell wrote:
> I've had this twice in the last week, so I think I have a problem.
>
> The starter motor starts the engine fine, but then continues to whirr
> away despite the key being released. No grinding noises, just an
> electric motor running under zero load, in fact I didn't notice it for
> a minute or so the first time. If you turn off the engine the starter,
> still turning, starts it again and then disengages properly.
>
> Its a Euro spec 1HD-FT diesel with the 12v/24v switchover for
> starting, but as far as I can see it is swapping back to 12v correctly
> when the key is released so I don't *think* its the 12/24 changeover
> relay. It's a bit difficult to tell because 99% of the time it behaves
> properly, and the two times it has happened have been on the public
> road in town making it a bit difficult to stop and figure out what's
> happening.
>
> It feels like a weak return spring, but aren't these starters
> permanently engaged?
>
> Any advice welcome.
>
> Thanks
>
> Christopher Bell
> Devon, UK
> 1996 1HD-FT
>
>____________________________________________________________
>Electronic mail messages entering and leaving Arup business
>systems are scanned for acceptability of content and viruses
>
>
 
Craig and Ian (& others)

Thanks for the input and links. I've found someone locally to deal
with it on monday (I just don't have the skill or facilities to deal
with it myself) and hopefully it will be sorted out.

The diagnosis sounds spot-on since, judging by the sound, it's running
at 12v rather than 24v, which pretty much rules out the changeover relay
and points to the solenoid. I was going to poke in there this weekend
with a multimeter to see if the contacts were permanently live to check
this diagnosis, but you've saved me the trouble.

I will report back next week.

Christopher Bell
=09

Hi Chris,
Sounds very like worn solenoid contacts. The plunger is pulled
down by a electrical coil the contact on the plunger is circular so it
can contact anywhere. The contact on the starter outside side is live
positive all the time, the one on the inside connects to the starter
motor itself. Due to arcing the outside contact tends to wear more as
the current first flows through it then into the other contact as the
plunger pulls down to engage the contacts it also pushes the drive
pinion out to engage the ring gear. When one contact gets badly worn the
plunger sits lopsided in its bore and tends to jam which is what I
suspect yours is doing. A friends truck had the exact same symptoms and
a fresh set of solenoid contacts fixed it. But sort it sooner rather
than later or you can destroy the stater beyond repair or worse yet
trash a ring gear which means engine or gearbox out to fix.
The parts are easy to fit just under the tin cover held on by 3
m5 bolts by the power in wire.
=09
Cheers,
=09
____________________________________________________________
Electronic mail messages entering and leaving Arup business
systems are scanned for acceptability of content and viruses
 
Back
Top