Has anyone installed a powerline starter motor to a Rover V8 engine in a P6?

Barten

Barten

Active Member
I was wondering: do they fit it? and how do they perform. My original starter motor has given up the ghost. It sits very tight and very close to the exhaust manifold so I wonder of something has fried up inside it. It is getting very hot from the exhaust.
I was on holiday when the starter started to malfunction. I would turn 1 time and then just whirring. I was 800 km away from home on holiday. But me and the wife managed to get all the way back home by jumpstarting it every time we had to stop. But after a while the car stopped when idling, putting us into awkward situations. But we managed to get back home. My car is a 3500 s with a 5 speed gearbox. I havent had time to take the starter out yet, and i dread for the job. Guess I have to take the manifold out to get to it. So if anyone has some advice, i'll be happy.
regards, Barten20230617_193508.jpg
 
Whirring sounds like the motor is turning but the pinion is not engaging the flywheel? That should not happen with a pre-engaged type starter. If the problem turns out to be heat related, try lagging the exhaust with fibreglass webbing.
 
Check the connections to the 'pre-engage' solenoid which should activate and put th pinion into engagement with the started ring.
 
If they're the same as mine, you need to insulate them somehow. I had mine ceramic coated, as they gave off so much heat, they damaged a lot of things in the engine bay.

I have a powerlite high torque starter on mine as the standard unit didn't fit.

mani.JPG

starter.JPG
 
Thanks Quattro, I have the same manifolds as you. I have managed to squeeze in the original Lucas starter motor, but it is a very tight fit. I have had my manifolds ceramic coated too, inside and outside. Still seem very hot down there. The outlets from the manifolds are not coated, so maybe I should have put some insulation on them.
So you have the powerlite unit and are happy with it? I might just buy one for the Rover since I most probably need an overhaul or new starter anyway.
regards, Barten
 
I've been thinking about one of these lightweight starter motors from powerlite. P/N is RAC318.

Do they really start the car faster?
 
I've had the same model (RAC318) on my 4.6 since 2014 and have no complaints. They have a reduction gearbox so motor is smaller, spins faster and draws less current so for the same size battery, one of these will spin the engine for longer before flattening the battery and slowing down. Also, since the starter takes less power from the battery there's more left for the ignition. Well worth the money I'd say.
 
I converted to electronic ignition years ago.
Better starting on the starter motor -within seconds, easier on the battery, smoother running , better spark plug life, better acceleration, better fuel economy. Bigger smile
Forget lite weight starter motor !! esp if it aint broke.
- go e-ignition.
More benefits
 
I agree that electronic ignition is a worthwhile change (I've got Lumenition) but the OP's starter is broke.
My old starter motor worked well enough but when it packed up again I went for the Powerlite, it's a straight replacement, is smaller, easier on the battery and starts straight away. I can't say I really noticed but I suppose being lighter might make it easier to fit too?
 
How about the wiring from the old starter to the new lightweight one. Any pictures of which wires go where?
 
When you said jump start did you mean roll start? You might just be able to get that starter out without moving the exhaust. I can but mine is bespoke exhaust with four into two into one with the two centre ones crossed over on that side so there is more room...
 
IIRC there are only two wires on mine, big one from the battery and one with a spade from the wing relay
 
ampwhu said:
How about the wiring from the old starter to the new lightweight one. Any pictures of which wires go where?
Click to expand...

I have found a picture of mine when I first got it, I have rewired that spade since then :)

If you're still using a ballasted coil, I am sure you will be able to wire it into the black cable already on there, or from the 6RA

Starter.JPG
 
I'm sorry this is a bit late (I really must get my photos organised and all in the same place) but shows the size difference. The wiring is quite straightforward and it comes with diagrams for ballasted and non-ballasted systems.
 

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I am very pleased with the Powerlite starter. The engine starts instantly. The original culprit for the starter to not work, I found out it was caused by the ignition switch falling apart. A new 7/8 ignition switch from JRW fixed the problem. But I had already bought the Powerlite, so I fitted it and are happy!
 
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I've purchased one of these RAC318 starters now. However I am stuck with the wiring.
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Existing one has 3 wires. RAC318 has only 2 wires. I know the bottom thick battery lead goes on the stud with the nut. But I'm unsure what to do with the 2 other wires.
Electrics isn't my field so would like some help please.
 
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