Starter Motor (Again!)

[fatal3rror]

This might be one of the most asked questions but I couldn’t find any recent threads so posing the question again. Hope this is alright!

With issues on the bendix and a broken mounting point of my current inertia Lucas starter motor, I am looking to replace this, so looking for suggestions on what would be the best replacement. I am not looking to spend megabucks on a Brise so hoping to get:
A) Either a good new/refurb inertia motor
B) A reasonably priced pre-engaged motor (< £200)

Any recommendations for the above with sources please?

[ericbushby]

look at Powerlite website. They have one specially for the Elan. I believe now also sold by Paul Matty.
Two screws and one wire to fit it.
Regular readers will know that I have said this many times before.
Eric in Burnley
S3 SE DHC

[fatal3rror]

look at Powerlite website. They have one specially for the Elan. I believe now also sold by Paul Matty.
Two screws and one wire to fit it.
Regular readers will know that I have said this many times before.
Eric in Burnley
S3 SE DHC

Thanks Eric, I will check them out.

[ericbushby]

Just checked it.
Model No RAC 472, nine teeth
It`s been on there 6 years now.
Eric

[HCA]

I’ll second that suggestion! It is almost a no brainer to fit a pre-engaged one.
The nine teeth on the gear is important (AES sell the same starter and ask you to specify nine or ten teeth)

[StressCraxx]

This might be one of the most asked questions but I couldn’t find any recent threads so posing the question again. Hope this is alright!

With issues on the bendix and a broken mounting point of my current inertia Lucas starter motor, I am looking to replace this, so looking for suggestions on what would be the best replacement. I am not looking to spend megabucks on a Brise so hoping to get:
A) Either a good new/refurb inertia motor
B) A reasonably priced pre-engaged motor (< £200)

Any recommendations for the above with sources please?

RE:
A) Either a good new/refurb inertia motor - The only refurbished Lucas starters that were any good are the genuine Lucas rebuilt starters. Most rebuilders could care less about shaft or bushing wear or condition of the commutator.

B) Pre-engaged - The Denso based starters with the adjustable adapter heads work well and last a long time. Mine lasted 20 years of cold cranking for oil pressure before I lit the motor off.

Make sure your all your electrical connections are clean and well made.

Regards,
Dan

[alan.barker]

Hi fatal3error,
i would suggest get another Endplate that's not cracked from a secondhand Lucas Starter, fit new Oil Lite Bush + new Bendix and it will be good for another 20 years.
With respect i would think the last repair was not 100% and maybe the End Plate was already cracked or bent. Also nice new Spring Washers fitted under the Bolt Heads.
You can find very easy a secondhand Lucas Starter from a mini, austin, ford cortina etc.
Also make sure the Sandwich Plate between Engine and Gearbox is there and not damaged. This cenralises the Starter.
Alan

[fatal3rror]

Spoke to Sue Miller this morning and it seems that she still sells a number of inertia starters and most of them seem to hold up well. One would think otherwise reading the forums. I have decided to stick with the original for now and see how it goes.

Great point about the sandwich plate which was indeed missing on my car - now ordered and will be replaced!

[SENC]

Incorrect clearance between pinion at rest and ring gear is a contributing factor to issues...

[alan.barker]

Hi FatalError,
i am happy to help. If it is set up correctly you will not have a problem.
Many times over the years Starters have become loose and Sandwich Plates thrown away and bodged.
Just take care NO burrs NO damage.
Good luck
Alan

[fatal3rror]

New starter in and sandwich plate fixed. Car runs like a dream now!

[MarkDa]

So was that a 'new' inertia starter or a Powerlite?

I'm still on the original Lucas and haven't had any problems. With sound wiring-earth and a healthy battery it spins the engine nicely.
I expect electronic ignition and ballast coil help with starting but I've never felt need to change.
To be fair the car was off road waiting for repair for a long time so I can't say daily use for 50 years

If it does pack up I might be inclined to go Powerlite purely because inertia starters are so dam heavy to lift in - which I accept is a pretty poor excuse

[fatal3rror]

So was that a 'new' inertia starter or a Powerlite?

I'm still on the original Lucas and haven't had any problems. With sound wiring-earth and a healthy battery it spins the engine nicely.
I expect electronic ignition and ballast coil help with starting but I've never felt need to change.
To be fair the car was off road waiting for repair for a long time so I can't say daily use for 50 years

If it does pack up I might be inclined to go Powerlite purely because inertia starters are so dam heavy to lift in - which I accept is a pretty poor excuse

I ended up going for a new starter motor procured from Sue Miller. I discussed it with her and while the forums seem to indicate that pre-engaged motors are the way to go, she seems to sell a number of intertia motors and hasn’t had any major complaints thus far. Agree about the weight though but I did not want to spend 3 times the price without at least giving another intertia motor a chance!

[alan.barker]

Hi Fatal3rror,
well done young man stay with Lucas set up as original good for 20 years+
Alan

[Sploder90]

I got a WOSP starter from TTR a lot easier and lighter to fit & turns over a treat. Even easier to get to the upper bolt.
If you need a motor while you are awaiting delivery from Sue I have the one that came of mine that I can lend you to try. Was working when it came off and has been boxed up under the bench since last year.

Not far away from you in extra locked down Huddersfield part of the new Kirklees, Calderdale & NW England super Leper colony.
Although heavy I can probably throw it to you within the social distancing rules or meet in a pub

Edit. Just read the rest of the thread and look that you are already sorted.. I really should get on here more often instead of being in the garage getting grubby

Mel
S3 DHC