Powerlite RAC472 Hi Torque Starter problem

[alanr]

I have this week bought a RAC472 Hi torque starter but but I am having a problem getting adequate clearance for it to fit without it being rammed hard against the side of the sump in my +2.
In the pics attached the starter is not fully tightened, I daren't, because as you can see it is fully rammed up against the sump and something will break if i tighten the stater fully up. Powerlite say they can supply a redrilled/rotated end plate but I cannot see that it will improve the situation because the top terminal of the link wire has only a maximum of 1/4inch before it too will hit the sump.
Anyone else had this issue with the Powerlite RAC472 unit?
It is supposed to be a perfect fit for our cars?

Thanks,

Alan.

[ericbushby]

Hi Alan.
I fitted that starter to my car several years ago with no problems and i have several times recommended it.
I do though remember that the heavy cable was trapped between the motor body and the sump. I did not like that but did not think that it would be a problem.
No metal parts were touching and it fitted easily and correctly otherwise.
The mounting system for the motor was supposed to have been designed specially for Elan and it should be correct.
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE DHC

[alanr]

Hi Eric,
Thanks for chipping in on this. In a way it your past praise for the Powerlite RAC 472 unit that persuaded me to go down this route so as you can imagine I am surprised and disappointed that it doesn't fit!
I wonder if perhaps they have modified the mounting plate from your unit over the years...I don't know. But you can see from my pics that the unit just doesn't fit as supplied.
I have purchased it direct from Powerlite and I have had a good chat with them this afternoon about the problem a and sent them photos showing the issue. I have no doubt that if i can't make it fit they will give me no quibble refund. But we are not at that stage at the moment and I want it to fit.
I am going to discuss the problem with them again tomorrow to see what can be done. Maybe a rotational end mounting plate is the answer.
Can you tell me is your unit mounted upside down as mine is? ...and which seems to be the best way for any chance of it fitting at all.
Access may be different in an Elan to a +2 but I cannot see how you can have access to the top bolt if the starter is the other way up. Certainly not from the top and it would impossible from below by the usual bar/socket and ratchet method used on the inertia starter from underneath the car.

Alan.

[ericbushby]

Hi Alan,
I have just been in the garage and raised the front of my car onto stands.
Yours is the right way up!
The motor is below the pinion level with the terminal pointing towards the chassis. In two places the motor casing is close to the sump, about 2mm at the back and 4mm at the front, but not touching anywhere.
Our local Lotus specialist who used to race Elans told me that he designed the mounting plate for Powerlite and it was he who recommended it to me.
There is something wrong with yours !.
Maybe a slight rotation would allow it to clear the sump without something else fouling. Also, if that gap is increased a little it would also free my trapped cable.
Although yours is a Plus 2, it is the same engine and sump so I cannot see that being an issue.
Let us know how you get on, best of luck
Eric

[alanr]

Thanks so much for doing that Eric...Really appreciate it!
At least i know it is not me with the unit the wrong way up.
I too have been out in my garage, looking and looking at all configuration possibilities and have come to the conclusion that it cannot fit any other way differently to the way it is at the moment. Trying to rotate it will I think do almost nothing.
I agree, something is wrong with the unit I have.

I will keep you posted.

Thanks again for the help,

Alan.

[oldelanman]

A friend of mine had this problem with the RAC472 starter. Powerlite sent him a multi-drilled mounting plate so he could clock it to clear the sump and that sorted the problem. I see that this adjustable version is listed on the Powerlite website so they are aware of the issue.

[alanr]

Thanks for the input. Very useful to hear that others have had a similar problem withe the RAC472.
I was aware that they do a multi drilled plate version, which incidently is a approx £100 more expensive, but they assured me at the time of purchase that I wouldn't need it.
I will be talking to them again today and see what they say but at the moment I can't see that rotating it will solve the problem because if rotated I think it will then hit the heavy interconnecting connecting lead on the sump at the top side of the unit.
We will have to see what transpires, I am not unduly concerned because they seem a genuine company and will sort things for me one way or the other.

Thanks again,

Alan.

[ericbushby]

Hi Roger,
Thanks, I did not know that and it is not clear on their website. What is clear is that they insist many times that they can and will help with any difficulties. Let`s see what happens next. I have only been involved in fitting two of these starters but have been impressed with the product and with their attitude to requests for information.

Alan,
I think that the adaptor plate will be the answer but I am waiting for your report.

Eric

[lotusfan]

Can I weigh in with my two pence worth?

When I restored my Sprint I fitted a second hand high torque starter motor, make unknown. After a few years it became unreliable and I decided to replace it with a new one and I decided on an Edge one from Cambridge Motorsport.

When I came to fit the new motor I couldn't get it to fit, similar to the problems alanr is having. I spoke to the supplier and they suggested rotating the mounting flange, it had a range of holes, but I could not get a good fit.

I ended up comparing old with new and it was obvious that they were different, the motor was attached to the opposite side of the solenoid. I spoke to the supplier, who was very helpful, and they said they would build up another opposite handed version and exchange it with the original one they had sent. When it arrived I still had to reposition the mounting flange and although it fits and operates satisfactorily I feel it could be mounted a little better.

Having spoken to the supplier again I never got a satisfactory reply to 'why did you send the wrong one first time?'

Attached photo shows old and incorrect new starters.

[alan.barker]

Sorry boys but.
Well my two pence too.
Still running Lucas Starter. I've changed the Bendix once and changed Oilite Bush once.
No problem.
Alan

[alanr]

Alan,
Going back a few years i thought you bought a Hi-Torque starter motor?...It was the wrong one initially I seem to remember? Did you not go ahead with it?


No solution to my problem as yet. Issue is still on-going, have sent lots of photos to Powerlite and their Production Manager is going to give me his thoughts.

Alan.

[alan.barker]

I ordered a modern Starter but it was to be honest crap. Sent it back.
Learnt/learned the hard way stay with "Lucas".
Cheaper and less problems. Changed Bendix and Oilite Bush 100%.
I must admit to fitting an Alternator though for added safety, better lighting.
Cheers
Alan Barker

[2cams70]

Alternators have a clear advantage if you are stuck in traffic at low RPM's. If you haven't loaded you car with a lot of power sapping modern accessories - high energy ignition systems, etc. there really is no need for them either.
I doubt many Elan's these days spend a lot of time idling around in traffic.

[alan.barker]

Well since i fitted the Alternator the Flashers work much better . At least they have a correct flashing rate and can be seen. I feel safer and that's what counts for me to be honest.
I don't need to rev the Engine now for them to flash at the correct rate.
Alan

[ericbushby]

Hi Alan
My engine is the 6 bolt type with, I believe a standard sump.
Although the starter fitted easily there is only 2-3mm clearance between it and the sump, whereas there is plenty of space at the other side. A bit of rotation would be helpful but I do not know if it would stand a full hole, and space between, on the multi-drilled mount which they are sending to you.
Watching and waiting, good luck.
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE DHC