Sticking starter motor

My starter motor is working erratically. I can hear it click when I turn the key but it doesn't always start. It appears to be pot luck! I've checked the connections but they seem ok. I suspect the solenoid might be sticking.

How easy is it to remove the starter and what else needs to be removed to gain access? Is it possible to replace only the solenoid before having to replace the whole starter and can the solenoid be removed without having to remove the starter also? Just thinking of trying to do the easiest thing first.

Its probably just the brushes.
They may need replacing or just cleaning.The fact you can here the solenoid clicking is a good sign.

Not sure if a Turbo is different but on the Atmo it's a doddle - just the wires and 3 bolts.

Another tip if you are having problems is:
1. Initialy check to make sure starter is not jammed on flywheel to do this rock car back and forwards in 2nd gear then try start again.
2. If the above does not get you started find a large object i.e hammer or eqivalent and give it a technical tap. (wack it one).
This usually does the trick until you can get it restored/replaced.

Yes, I had to give it a wack the other day to get it to work! Because I'm not sure if it's the starter or the solenoid, I was wondering if I could try changing the solenoid first without having to remove the whole starter.

If its clicking its not the solenoid, But to confirm this use your evo meter to check you are getting power to the actual starter on turning the key, or B use a large screwdriver the next time it does not turn over and short out the contacts on the starter not for the faint hearted though.
Hope the above helps
Dave.

I plan to take it off at the weekend and check it over. It looks like I need to remove the oil filter first to get it off. Cheers for the advice.

Hi folks,

i have similar probs... Occasionally..... say like once every couple of weeks i jump in me GTA, turn the key and there is nothing 'cept the whirring of electrial doings and the lighting up of the dash...i don't get any clicking of solenoid or anything else mechanical...I was guessing i needed a new starter motor but have had no bad sounds from that area like i have had in previouse cars. If i go and sit on the wall and have a smoke, 9 time out of ten when i jump back in she starts first time, no probs.....can anyone suggest some real basics i could check before i take her up the garage????

Also as a fan of punk bands like Iggy and the Stooges and the MC5 why do i feel like R. Kelly in this predicament?

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We do starters on exchange for the DeLorean. And I've fitted a Renault 30, Volvo 760, Renault 25, GTA Turbo AND (shock horror) other DeLorean starters to DeLoreans....... so they're all interchangable AFAIK

www.delorean.co.uk Parts -> Electrical

Crikey! Didn't realise I made this post nearly a year ago and I still haven't got round to removing my starter yet!

I managed to blunder through the winter with it occasionally sticking but not enough to make me stop using it. Although it made trips for petrol a bit nerve wracking in case it failed to start after filling up, leaving me looking embarrassed on the forcourt! But the past couple of months or so it's been starting okay. So whether it's the warm weather having a positive effect and it's only cold weather causing it to stick, I'm not sure.

Anyway, what I'm saying after my little ramble, is I still haven't got a solution, although I could still do with taking it off and having a look at it before winter comes round again!

Anyway, I'm suffering numerous other typical GTA woes at the moment that I need to address - no power to center console, sticking passenger window, fuel gauge not working, cabin fan not blowing on all speeds, speedo starting to act up again and I'm sure the engine fans didn't come on last time I parked up etc, etc...

Hi folks,

i have similar probs... Occasionally..... say like once every couple of weeks i jump in me GTA, turn the key and there is nothing 'cept the whirring of electrial doings and the lighting up of the dash...i don't get any clicking of solenoid or anything else mechanical...I was guessing i needed a new starter motor but have had no bad sounds from that area like i have had in previouse cars. If i go and sit on the wall and have a smoke, 9 time out of ten when i jump back in she starts first time, no probs.....can anyone suggest some real basics i could check before i take her up the garage????

Also as a fan of punk bands like Iggy and the Stooges and the MC5 why do i feel like R. Kelly in this predicament?

Jules,

Check the trigger wires on the starter motor and make sure the connectors are clean and well attached (small thin wires with push connectors on the starter motor). Essentially the car is too smart for its own good, and if it doesn't see a good voltage across the trigger it's designed so that it won't even let the starter attempt to turn. I'd say it's unlikely and probably an old tired starter/solenoid but worth a look for the sake of a quick rub with some emery cloth.

Mine used to do exactly the same. I replaced all of the connectors to the starter and she now fires up now problem at all. 99% certain you'll find it's poor contacts.

Engine earth is also a good one to check for starter problems.

After going through all the rigmarole of removing the starter motor and having to renew the oil filter to do it and having a new solenoid fitted, it turned out to be nothing wrong with the starter after all! The problem was a bably corroded battery earth where the earth strap bolts to the chassis. It was so bad in fact, that when I went to unbolt it to clean it up the coach bolt just fell away! It was doing virtually nothing! I bolted the strap to the suspension turret instead (this is actually a service modification listed in the service manual for customers complaining of poor starting!) I know, I know, how many times have people said check ALL earth points!

You don't need to remove the oil filter to do the starter, just the oil cooler pipes.

BTW, check your earths...