What's killing my starter motors?

DoreSlamR · 04-07-2009, 07:59 PM

I've been having starting issues over the last few months, got the starter motor replaced, all was well for a few months, then the same issues came back, I took it back to the mechanic and they replaced the starter motor under warranty.

This afternoon the starting issues are back again.

What am I missing here?

bodes-sh · 04-07-2009, 08:20 PM

bad earths? very high compression? dunno, maybe they are dodgy starter motors...

DoreSlamR · 04-07-2009, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bodes-sh

bad earths? very high compression? dunno, maybe they are dodgy starter motors...

The earth should be good and unless I'm cursed with extreme bad luck (wouldn't suprise me) I don't know how I'd get two dodgy starter motors in a row.

How could I tell if it is the compression?

46302ute · 04-07-2009, 08:56 PM

oil leaks maybe?

bodes-sh · 04-07-2009, 09:36 PM

i wouldn't think compression would be that high that it's killing them. compression test is the best way. i guess the other option is a high torque reduction starter...

brad` · 08-07-2009, 02:26 PM

how do u do a compression test?

Jack91 · 08-07-2009, 02:40 PM

You put a gauge in the spark plug holes and turn the car over
See link: http://www.geocities.com/dsmgrrrl/FAQs/compression.htm

bodes-sh · 08-07-2009, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoreSlamR

I've been having starting issues over the last few months, got the starter motor replaced, all was well for a few months, then the same issues came back, I took it back to the mechanic and they replaced the starter motor under warranty.

This afternoon the starting issues are back again.

What am I missing here?

how'd you go? any further diagnosis yet?

i'm assuming it's not cranking over for ages before firing? or is it?

5 FTR 5 · 08-07-2009, 11:16 PM

Not sure if ford electrics a similar to Toyota ( sorry) The alternator regulator was not doing its job and frying his starter motor ,just a thought.

calais · 09-07-2009, 12:54 AM

I had similar issues with a VX Supercharged V6 commodore, recurring starting issues, immobiliser randomly activating during startup, headlight globes blowing often, abs lights and so on. As it turned out after an afternoon of voltmeter detective work, the voltage regulator in the alternator was reading .2 of an amp out of spec and thus was wreaking havoc with the electronics. Each of the three dealerships which the car went into for warranty work replaced large and presumably expensive componentry instead of the true fault... a $5 replacement regulator.

needaXYGT · 10-07-2009, 06:26 PM

so what is the starter motor actualy doing?

DoreSlamR · 10-07-2009, 09:23 PM

Well it's only done it once, which was when I started this thread, hopefully it was a one off situation... and I haven't driven it much this week so it's hard to tell if it's recurring.

When it happens, the car doesn't even turn over, there's nothing at all.

bodes-sh · 10-07-2009, 10:16 PM

i'd say dirty contacts on the starter motor. had this problem with my patrol too, wiggled the main cable from the battery and it has been fine since. it doesn't take much unfortunately, even if it's a new starter, might be worth having a look at.

does it come good itself? or do you need to bash it with a hammer?

DoreSlamR · 10-07-2009, 10:31 PM

yeah the hammer works, or sometimes rocking the gear selector back and forward a few times...

I'm wondering if it might be the inhibitor switch as well...

bodes-sh · 10-07-2009, 10:45 PM

seems like it with the gear stick. smacking it usually means a stick solenoid. what brand was the new starter, do you know?

DoreSlamR · 10-07-2009, 11:42 PM

Not a clue! lol

Now that the weekend is here I can have a closer look a things.

b2tf · 11-07-2009, 10:48 AM

I'd be looking at inhibitor switch and also check that the power steering fluid hasn't dribbled all over the starter motor and buggered up the connections. For the life of me I can't remember where it is on a windsor though, but on the 6's it has the power steering resevoir above it hence why I suggested this.

svo347 · 11-07-2009, 11:58 AM

You running aftermarket extractors bud??

**Stav** · 11-07-2009, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoreSlamR

I've been having starting issues over the last few months, got the starter motor replaced, all was well for a few months, then the same issues came back, I took it back to the mechanic and they replaced the starter motor under warranty.

This afternoon the starting issues are back again.

What am I missing here?

Do what I do.Buy brand new parts from ford and it should last.

bodes-sh · 11-07-2009, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b2tf

I'd be looking at inhibitor switch and also check that the power steering fluid hasn't dribbled all over the starter motor and buggered up the connections. For the life of me I can't remember where it is on a windsor though, but on the 6's it has the power steering resevoir above it hence why I suggested this.

starter, not alternator...

starter is at the rear of the motor, alternator at the front ;)

DoreSlamR · 11-07-2009, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svo347

You running aftermarket extractors bud??

Yep I am, I think I know where you're going with this too.

I had an XF with starter motor issues due to the heat coming off the extractors...but I don't think this is the case because I did a 6 hour drive towing a trailer with no problems.

DoreSlamR · 11-07-2009, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stav

Do what I do.Buy brand new parts from ford and it should last.

I might have to, hopefully this latest issue was a once off, since it hasn't happened again since starting this thread.