Starter problms

[davidjt]

Still struggling with various electrical issues, and now the starter is playing up! Battery is fully charged, fuel pump chugs away, starter then turns over, but sounds really feeble - too feeble to do anything - but eventually the engine fires and runs normally. From past experience, a loose connection at the starter can cause intermittent problems, but this sounds/feels like a starter on its last legs. Anyone had any similar symptoms?

(On a different topic altogether, I will get postage costs for the uprated springs for those who have enquired: best offer so far is £50.)

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Often, the connection issue is inside. The solenoid is a common culprit. Here is a repair kit that replaces the often burned parts in the main solenoid switch area:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LOTUS-ELAN-1- ... 927wt_1162

As they wear out (burn up), the starter acts like the power feed or earth are lacking.

Not recommending this particular sale, just suggesting the kit is a DIY project and parts are available.

[muley]

..and here's the Wiki

http://wikilec.9600.org/index.php/Starter_motor


HTH

Jim

[muley]

or even this..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lotus-Elan-M1 ... RTM1177911

Jim

[Brit-Car-Nut]

The starter is the same as the Isuzu and Geo with the gear reduction starters. In the US, I found a few rebuilt units for $29.99 each + shipping. Alternators, 90A so a bit larger but according to recent posts fit OK, are $40.00 each + shipping. They look to be very nice rebuilds - at least very clean and look to be well handled.

[muley]

Just be aware that the Geo Storm alternator I bought does NOT fit the M100 Elan.

Maybe I was unlucky..

[Brit-Car-Nut]

I went by the part numbers that were included with the postings and Wiki.

I have an early Elan alternator and it is a little bit smaller in power (50A) and in diameter but other posts said they were able to make the 70A version work with a little prying.

The rebuilder referenced a unit that was listed for both the Impulse and the GEO Storm GSI.

I won't have my spare engines or other parts for a few more weeks but intend to assemble enough to verify all of the parts fit as described.

[davidjt]

Thanks for all the helpful replies - and I assume from the absence of recons on SJ Sportscars list that they're not generally available in the UK, so it looks like an import or a diy job. I'll investigate both options. I need the car for a longish trip in a couple of weeks, and hate driving with fingers crossed, so every incentive to get it done!
(My brother has promised that sailing a dragonfly downwind is the yachting equivalent of having a turbo - we shall see.)

[ovi]

(On a different topic altogether, I will get postage costs for the uprated springs for those who have enquired: best offer so far is £50.)

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=21829&p=274996#p274996

I have posted a time back a few questions!

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Thanks for all the helpful replies - and I assume from the absence of recons on SJ Sportscars list that they're not generally available in the UK, so it looks like an import or a diy job. I'll investigate both options. I need the car for a longish trip in a couple of weeks, and hate driving with fingers crossed, so every incentive to get it done!
(My brother has promised that sailing a dragonfly downwind is the yachting equivalent of having a turbo - we shall see.)

You can check for the solenoid contacts being damaged without much trouble (after removing the starter) as the damage will be obvious. This is an easy test/repair (after removing the starter).

The Wiki page describes the entire process. Seems the TOP bolt holding the starter is the hardest part.

The basic starter is standard GM/Isuzu. A local rebuilder should be able to get any parts it needs.
Look at this listing to see other makes & models that use the Denso starter: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 1134069218

The cost to ship to the UK is crazy for a full assembly but individual parts might be reasonable.

Maybe have a local rebuilder look at it and then decide?