Starter Motor Problem

[The Bird Man]

Hi everyone, just done another bench test only to find this time the bendix isn't being pushed out enough, that's why it's not engaging the flywheel. Any solutions to how I could fix this ? Would it be a solenoid problem ? It spins perfectly fine.

[twiss]

Sounds like a sticky solenoid... I would take the solenoid apart and check it out
Also have a look at the lever the solenoid pushes, make sure it operates freely and doesn't catch

[The Bird Man]

Just tested the solenoid on it's own and that works fine as well :s Pushes the bendix out and returns. I'm confused as to how if the solenoid and motor work fine on their own why don't they work together at the same time ?

[twiss]

Well the solenoid sort of acts like a big relay and switches the power to the motor... so it could be that the electrics in the solenoid cap are no good? have you got a different solenoid to test it?

[The Bird Man]

Ah that's makes sense, thanks Would a solenoid of a 1.3 Starter be ok ? If it's a straight swap that is.

[twiss]

It really depends on the make and model of the starters to be honest... My current starter motor is made out of 4 different ones haha

[The Bird Man]

Haha ! If it's a straight swap and goes on okay could it do any damage if it's the wrong one ?

[The Bird Man]

Right swapped the solenoids over and a slight improvement, the bendix is now being pushed out further than before but not enough. It's coming out enough just to hit the side of the flywheel and is grinding against the teeth. Could this now be and issue with the shift lever ?