Hi Folks...i'm up in the midlands and I need to change the starter motor on my V reg 3.2 V8 sport. Is this doable with ramps and axle stands and a socket set. I'm open to any suggestions......I'm pretty sure its the starter motor as the battery is good and fully charged and when it wen,t it whirred a while and now it just clicks when I turn the key.

 

Have you checked/ cleaned the power connection stud at the false bulkhead in the engine bay? or the earth strap from the engine to the chassis?


I would start there before pulling the starter out.

 

^ +1
I would check the voltage at the starter before removing it. The bulk head connection and the chassis ground are both known to cause trouble with voltage at the starter

 

Thanks guys....where are both of these located?

 

The earth strap is bolted to the bellhousing and the chassis rail, it is a braided wire with no insulation.


If it is caked in old oil or such just replace, it is a waste of time trying to clean them.


Follow the heavy power lead from the starter to its connection on the power stud where it passes through the false bulkhead, DO NOT forget to do BOTH sides of the stud/ cables.

 

Thanks Andrew, i'll get underneath next week and see if this sorts it.
Dave

 

Hi Andrew....after all the worry, it turned out to be the battery. Even though I tested it and the tester said Ok, and the multimeter stated just over 12 volts...it obviously wasn't enough to turn it over. I had this niggle in my head and thought i'd jumpstart with my van....hey presto it started 1st time....i.ve since replace the battery with aheavy duty one and no problems. Thanks for your advice.

 

These old Jags are very fussy about voltage, and a lot of problems are caused by a battery that isn't 100% or dirty power/earth connections, or any combination of the above.


In a way it can be a good thing, because we all think oh **** £££, then when we investigate it is as simple as a battery or clean a few contacts!