XJS ( X27 ) 1975 - 1996 3.6 4.0 5.3 6.0

Starter won't disengage

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Old Oct 15, 2020 | 12:55 PM
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Default Starter won't disengage quickly

hey guys

A new issue has arisen (surprise) the starter isn't getting released from the ring gear until after the engine is running for about 2 seconds. I had the car in the air and lubed the pinion shaft and that fixed it for about 10 starts.

Are there any recommendations on how to fix a sticking pinion shaft without removing the starter?

Thanks Jeff
 

Last edited by Xjeffs; Oct 15, 2020 at 01:48 PM.
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Old Oct 15, 2020 | 01:07 PM
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The only way I know of is to replace the starter. I'd do it quickly too. I didn't have the warning before my starter seized up in the engaged position and then it wouldn't disengage. By the time I was able to get the battery terminal disconnected, the insides of the starter melted and the batter terminals were so hot I couldn't touch them. I think you're very much on borrowed time
 
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Old Oct 15, 2020 | 01:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Xjeffs
hey guys

A new issue had arisen (surprise) the starter isn't getting released from the ring gear until after the engine is running for about 2 seconds. I had the car in the air and lubed the pinion shaft and that fixed it for about 10 starts.

Are there any recommendations on how to fix a sticking pinion shaft without removing the starter?

Thanks Jeff
jeff
Did you change the flexplate when you changed the gearbox? Assuming the starter was Ok before the change, you have a dimensional problem, maybe it can be fixed by shimming the starter a bit where it fits to the engine block? The thing is that a new starter might well have the same problem, so best to find the true cause first. For sure the starter has to come out though.
 
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Old Oct 15, 2020 | 01:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Greg in France
jeff
Did you change the flexplate when you changed the gearbox? Assuming the starter was Ok before the change, you have a dimensional problem, maybe it can be fixed by shimming the starter a bit where it fits to the engine block? The thing is that a new starter might well have the same problem, so best to find the true cause first. For sure the starter has to come out though.
Yes the flex plate was swapped to an xjs plate that had new torque converter bolt holes drilled in them. It was a used starter i got from John 13 years ago. But it has started without issues probably 100 times since the swap before this happened. I wonder if it's starting to come loose and sag.
I don't understand what would have changed that it needs to be shimmed now.
 
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Old Oct 15, 2020 | 08:52 PM
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I agree with Greg.

My PreHE, did that erratically, and eventually I released the 2 starter securing bolts, not easy, and "jiggle the starter" on those loose bolts, basically moving it barely 1/2mm away from the the ring gear, tightened the bolts.

No more issues, and that was 20 years, maybe more ago, and now that thing is the one at 652000kms, and the OE starter, not bad I reckon.

There is a SMALL amount of play in those mount bolts, like any bolt, and sometimes thats all it takes to get the mesh spot on.
 
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Old Oct 16, 2020 | 07:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Grant Francis
I agree with Greg.

My PreHE, did that erratically, and eventually I released the 2 starter securing bolts, not easy, and "jiggle the starter" on those loose bolts, basically moving it barely 1/2mm away from the the ring gear, tightened the bolts.

No more issues, and that was 20 years, maybe more ago, and now that thing is the one at 652000kms, and the OE starter, not bad I reckon.

There is a SMALL amount of play in those mount bolts, like any bolt, and sometimes thats all it takes to get the mesh spot on.
good thought, that's easy enough to do. Thanks guys.
 
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