Starter

[Jason1]

Hi

A quick question I need a new starter as mine is very lazy, I do not really want to buy the magic Brise starter as the car is my second car and only used in good weather so do not really want to pay ?180.

I have taken the M35J type starter off and will get it reconditioned. The problem is these starters look the same as early BL Mini starters. The serial number on mine is 25345A, does anyone know if this serial number is the proper Lotus (lucas) starter or is it just a mini starter that someone has slapped on over the years?? The reason I ask is if it is a Lotus one i.e. it is more powerful than the standard BL Mini then I will get it reconditioned, but if it is just a Mini starter I can buy a completely new one for ?30 from a mini parts supplier

Thanks

Jason

[types26/36]

Jason,
The number on my Sprint starter M35J (original equipment) is 25147D, although I dont know exactly what this number indicates I doubt it is more powerful then the mini one and I would have no reservations about fitting the mini starter.
Brian

[steveww]

Are you sure it is the starter? The starter on my S4 was abit slugish until I fitted a new battery, now it spins like a dervish.

[ppnelan]

Jason,

Speaking from experience, I suggest you also check the voltage drop across the cables/solenoid/connections, especially the earth connection to the chassis in the boot !! You'd be amazed what a difference a good or bad connection can make....

Matthew

[cliveyboy]

When I last bought a starter motor from Mattys it was a Lucas reconditioned unit. It was not very expensive.

Clive

[rgh0]

I suspect the only difference between the Mini and Twink starter was the drive pinion.

Rohan

[Roy Gillett]

I have a new starter to fit to my +2 bought at Donnington. It is a brand new boxed Lucas unit but the Bendix has 10 teeth and I understand the Twin Cam should have 9 teeth. Is that correct and can you use a 10 tooth version on the TC? The original box bears the number LRS 102 and the models listed are "Mini, Bedford HA, Ford Escort TC and Lotus Elan" The starter itself has the number 25147 on it.
Have I got something I can use?

Roy

[Hamish Coutts]

When I changed my starter, the Lucas unit I took off had a 10 tooth bendix.
As far as I can find out, it had been fitted to the car for a few years before I got it. The bendix was in pretty good nick as were the flywheel teeth. It was the motor that was worn out and lazy.

I fully agree - earth, earth, earth, - check the earths. Then check them again. I am always amazed how much resistance can be added to an earth connection, by just a few months lying around over the Winter.

Hamish.

[cliveyboy]

I changed over from a 9 tooth bendix to a 10 tooth and the problems of the starter motor jamming has been eliminated

Clive

[types26/36]

understand the Twin Cam should have 9 teeth. Is that correct and can you use a 10 tooth version on the TC? The original box bears the number LRS 102 and the models listed are "Mini, Bedford HA, Ford Escort TC and Lotus Elan" The starter itself has the number 25147 on it.
Have I got something I can use?

Roy

Some people insist on useing the nine tooth while some use the ten tooth, I only use the ten tooth after haveing lots of problems with the nine tooth, as regards the number its the same as my original starter (see my prevous post) so in my opinion you have the correct starter and pinion.
Brian

[Jason1]

Thanks guys

I will try a new mini starter then, I am pretty sure it is the starter that has had it. I have tried a new battery and a new jump starter on the solenoid but it makes no difference.

I took the starter off and noticed the back plate was loose, have checked the brush length and they are ok. I cleaned up the brushes and refitted to the car, but it was the same. I did notice that due to the loose back plate the rear of the commutator has taken a battering and looks worse for wear so would rather renew the whole starter.

Ok thanks guys I will go with the new Mini starter


Jason