Inertia starter rebuild

sdibbers

Well-Known Member
Hi,

Does anybody know which model Lucas starter motor SI 2000TC's had fitted? I have a problem with the motor turning the engine over slowly when hot. The battery is charging fine, all the earthing straps seem to be in good condition. I get the same problem if I try using a jumper cable to bypass the solenoid too.

I did get a slightly better turn over when I tightened the terminal post on the back of the motor but its now slowing down again suggesting I need to give it some TLC.

I'm hoping I can get a rebuild kit and do the work myself as the chances of finding an off the shelf rebuilt unit on this side of the pond might be a problem.

Thanks in advance,

Steven
 
Actually you'd be surprised. It was a common starter for, of all things, vehicles agricultural in North America. In particular, Ford tractors I think. I'll dig up some details.

Yours
Vern
 
OK, it's a Model M45G Lucas part number 26164A. Described as a "inboard" style of bendix drive. And talk to a tractor dealer, as I say used by many brands over the years. Keep in mind that M45G refers to the basic motor assembly. They may appear to be on everything when you search the internet, but many have pre-engaged drives etc etc. and will not fit.

By the way, before doing anything make sure the two long screws holding the endbells and the motor case are tight. They are the two slotted screws on the end bell. If they are loose, you might get the symptoms you describe. Ditto the bolts holding the starter to the motor.

Yours
Vern
 
Hi Vern,

Thanks for the pointers. I'll give the two long slotted screws an inspection first. Failing that I do have a spare starter of unknown condition that I can try getting bushes and brushes for now.

Best,

Steven
 
Screws were tight. I've got a spare from my old car that I can rebuild (it was a slow turning starter on the old car). Found a lot of brushes and bushes online for $30, should have those by next week. I'll try and take some pics
 
I would suggest replacing the brush springs as well. They loose their tension over time, and cause similar problems as worn brushes.
Also beware that the service replacement that Rover recommended was a 2M100 starter motor, which was also used on the Land Rover 4 and 6 cylinder motors. Remanufactured starters (from China) are available, so be careful sourcing a second hand one. You do not want a Chinese one. It will have metric smoke in it which will not conduct right through the imperial smoke, in Lucas wires!

Both my Rovers have second hand 2M100 starters in them. These are a stronger starter, and provide better cranking than the 2M45. As Vern said the 2M45 was also made as a pre engaged starter motor as was the 2M100. I would recommend counting the number of teeth on the gear, of you ever buy a second hand one, and make sure that they match. I did have to swap them over one time.

I have bought parts in the past from j-c-r auto electrical on ebay. They will put together what you need, from the numbers on the starter motor. You will need a large soldering iron to solder in the brushes. I sourced one on ebay from China. It is about 100 W, it gets hot. Take care not to leave it on, once you are finished, you might burn the house down.

The rebuilding is easy. I have had great success doing this work myself, rather than paying an auto electrician to get it wrong. There are a few youtube videos describing it all as well.

James.
 
Hi James,

Thanks for the advice. I've got a rebuild kit arriving on Monday. It has brushes, brush springs and bushes. So, fingers crossed.

Thanks,

Steven
 
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