Starter motor replacement

[steveloft]

Hi everyone, just joined.

My '95 Mav 2.7 TD has been getting harder and harder to start. Now it will hardly turn over. I'm certain it's not the battery, think it's probably the starter. Is replacement an easy enough DIY job? The bolts look a bit hard to get at. Also, any suggestions for best place to get a replacement?

Steve

 

[Terranosaurus]

Not sure where your best place to get a replacement would be, I got one recently from my local motor store, but they're particularly good.

As for getting to it if you go in through the wheel arch you can remove the rubber splash guards, this gives you access to the starter directly, its not too bad a job from there.

 

[steveloft]

Thanks, I'll have a look.

Seems I can get a new one for just over £100 on eBay, plus postage, which is sometimes a bit expensive up here. I'm from Yorkshire myself, originally, btw.

Steve

 

[t-jay]

try these guys - £130(exc.vat)
http://www.onlineautomotive.co.uk/search_results.php?

i got alternator from them a couple of weeks ago. ordered it on a monday at 4pm, got it 10am next day.

 

[steveloft]

I got it off, not too bad. A bit fiddly getting the top bolt off. But by far the hardest part was actually extracting the unit from within the engine compartment once I'd got it off! Which way is it supposed to come out? Didn't seem to be enough room through the wheel arch due to brake pipes etc, so I took it up through the top. Still lots of pipes in the way, hopefully I didn't damage anything.

Steve

 

[Jocky]

Yes had the same problem, had to get it out/in via the top. Not enough room at wheel arch due to brake pipe. Its one of those jobs where you need 3 hands.

:smile:

 

[Borky]

Make sure you get a decent brand replacement as there are some nasty refurb's kicking about and the last thing you want to do is have to do the job twice. I'd be wary of ebay for that simple reason as returning it and getting replacement wouldn't be as easy as walking into a parts shop and putting it on the counter.

 

[steveloft]

Yes had the same problem, had to get it out/in via the top. Not enough room at wheel arch due to brake pipe. Its one of those jobs where you need 3 hands.

:smile:

At least 3! And they need to be stronger hands than mine, I think. Anyway, hopefully, putting the new one back down should be a bit easier, at least gravity will be on my side.

Steve

 

[steveloft]

I'd be wary of ebay for that simple reason as returning it and getting replacement wouldn't be as easy as walking into a parts shop and putting it on the counter.

Ah, that might be true where you live, but not here on my remote island! :lol:

Steve

 

[steveloft]

Just wanted to say that I've now fitted the new starter motor, and replaced the glow plugs and the battery. And it starts like a dream! I barely have to touch the key.

Many thanks for all the advice, particularly the tip about going through the wheel arch. It was a fiddly job, but it would have been impossible without that!

Steve