New pre-engaged starter motor - won't fit

[BenMcCarthy]

as I'm deficient

could you explain how the index feature works - grub screw? bolt to loosen etc?

[rgh0]

If its a Gustafson starter there should be a ring of holes on the face of the mounting plate around the starter pinion. 2 of the holes have a bolt in them securing the mounting plate to the starter body. Remove the bolts rotate the mounting plate and refitting the bolts enables the body to rotate versus the mounting plate.

Rohan

[rgh0]

Brian

I thought both the Cortina and Escort had the sump bulge at the rear but I could have been wrong about the Cortina. I have not looked under a Lotus Cortina for a few years.

Rohan

[BenMcCarthy]

many thanks for the advice rgh0 - I'll give it a try tmrw

[stuartgb100]

Rohan / Brian,

Sorry for the delay, but had to root out the old manuals.
Obviously the memory is fading......

Both Mk1 and II manuals show a sump with the bulge in front.

For info.

Regards,

Stuart.

[stuartgb100]

Oops,

Meant to add .... Lotus Cortina MkI/II manuals.

Regards.

[cdraper]

I bought a pre-engaged starter from Racemantle (tel:01427679784). It was for a Ford Kent engine and it did not fit my +2. A call to Racemantle produced a new end plate in a couple of days which rotated the starter a few degrees and two Allen screws as the holes were very close to the body. I provided the details. All this for no charge. They made a note of the angle of the holes in case another customer asked for an Elan starter. My car has aLotus chassis - a Spyder one may require something differnt. ?I have no conectio?n with Racemantle accewpt as a happy customer.

[BenMcCarthy]

Tried to fit it again this weekend. This starter does not have a circle of holes spaced around the mounting plate but it will rotate and new holes can be drilled in the plate.

The problem is that the mounting plate holes are completely obstructed by the body of the starter so that you can't get to the top bolt with the starter in situ. If the starter is rotated so that you can get to the holes then it snags on the sump/ chassis. Looks like it just doesn't fit - trouble is I can't understand how my car is different to anyone elses.

[lotusanglia1965]

I fitted a super starter to a baby elan. they are made to fit the twincam alright,just not in an elan! had to drill and file out small hole in chassis (lotus) to get clearance. not so easy with the body on.

Martin

[type26owner]

You just need to reverse the bolt so it's captured and use an Allen Nut from the bellhousing side.

[rgh0]

It does not sound like you starter is a Gustafson one or designed for easy installation on an Elan. I would return it and get a Gustafson one or equivalent from someone who Guarrantees it fits an Elan.

The Gustafson site lists their dealers

Rohan

[type26owner]

The Gustafson starter has the top bolt reversed so it acts as a stud. You use an Allen Nut to secure it. Here's what an Allen Nut looks like.
http://www.mcmaster.com/param/images/nuts/allen.gif

Even when drenched with oil the Gustafon keeps on ticking... well worth the money to get rid of the Lucas nightmare.

[BenMcCarthy]

Fitted eventually - just! with filing the mounting plate, moving the handbrake cable (new weld to chassis) and a bit of shoe horning to the chassis side. Decided not to go with the option of allen key behind the bell housing as fiddley to remove afterwards.

All done - just a shame it wasn't bolt on and go.

Thanks for your advice everyone

[BenMcCarthy]

saw your allen bolt post after my post type 26 owner - thanks anyway.

[BenMcCarthy]

Still got problems after rewelding the handbrake cable from where it was and making some space at the chassis side , and cutting away at the mounting plate lug.

It seems the cog on the end of the shaft is 1/4" too short and therefore made a nasty metallic sound when starting after a few attempts it seems it just won't start at all now. Obviously rather annoyed.

Does anybody have some feedback on this? Has anyone encountered similar problems? The ring gear is 18 months old and worked fine with the old lucas starter before its demise...

I understand I can get my money back for the poorly fitting starter. I would like to send off for a gustafson starter from the US but I'm worried it too will have the same problem. It simply has to fit.