Starter - replace or repair?
- Thread starter EricH
- Start date
tvmaster
True Classic
Currently resting peacefully at an old-school, old FIAT shop
The first service or two I’ll seek professional help as I learn. But pretty soon after that, unless it’s an engine rebuild, I’ll have to start learning more...
Rupunzell
Bernice Loui
These oem Marelli starters are very rebuildable and of high quality.
What can go wrong with them, the high current contacts inside the solenoid can get worn from decades of switching high current. If the solenoid is taken apart (the three six M5 nuts on long screws) M8 copper stud contacts flipped around, then cleaned. It would likely make this starter go again. The brushes can be replaced by removing what appears to be a metal band clamp held together with a M4 screw and square nut. Starter drive replacement requires separating the front housing from the motor.
The other failure mode of these starters, the nuts-screws that hold the solenoid together vibrate loose allowing dirt and oil to get inside. The dirt and oil bake into clay causing all sorts of problems. Cleaning out this Goooo makes all the difference.
Just did this to the Marelli starter in the Lancia, First time this Lancia Scorpiacarlo's electrical system was powered up in decades. Starter did not want to engage or run fast enough. Removed the starter and figure out the problem were very minor and how well made these Marelli starters are.
BTW, Bosch starters from this same era are well known for lack of gear engagement and motor run.. when the starter solenoid is engaged.
If the choice is to replace this starter, replace it with a modern gear reduction unit like a Denso (Japan), these work GOOD and modern reliable.
Bernice
What can go wrong with them, the high current contacts inside the solenoid can get worn from decades of switching high current. If the solenoid is taken apart (the three six M5 nuts on long screws) M8 copper stud contacts flipped around, then cleaned. It would likely make this starter go again. The brushes can be replaced by removing what appears to be a metal band clamp held together with a M4 screw and square nut. Starter drive replacement requires separating the front housing from the motor.
The other failure mode of these starters, the nuts-screws that hold the solenoid together vibrate loose allowing dirt and oil to get inside. The dirt and oil bake into clay causing all sorts of problems. Cleaning out this Goooo makes all the difference.
Just did this to the Marelli starter in the Lancia, First time this Lancia Scorpiacarlo's electrical system was powered up in decades. Starter did not want to engage or run fast enough. Removed the starter and figure out the problem were very minor and how well made these Marelli starters are.
BTW, Bosch starters from this same era are well known for lack of gear engagement and motor run.. when the starter solenoid is engaged.
If the choice is to replace this starter, replace it with a modern gear reduction unit like a Denso (Japan), these work GOOD and modern reliable.
Bernice
Agnelli
True Classic
If you need a rebuildable Marelli 1300 core ping me. Agree with Bernice, they are high quality. Both my X and 128 have them. Free for the price of shipping.
tvmaster
True Classic
Okay thanks. When you say ‘rebuildable’, how rebuildable? My old FIAT guy said the only think that MAY be salvageable from mine was the solenoid?
tvmaster
True Classic
yes, 1300. 1974. I’m assuming Mr. Old Fiat is putting in one of his rebuilds, and likely not returning my solenoid. He’s a rather angry, know-it-all kind of mechanic, but in these parts, he’s the only one who knows anything about these cars from the phone calls I’ve made. I’ll ask about my solenoid tomorrow.