Isuzu Trooper Owners Club UK™

[GregMason]

Hi all

Got a problem with the wife's 3.1TD Trooper LWB citation on a p plate.

Starter motor spins up nicely (2 new batteries 2 months ago) but cog doesn't engage with the flywheel on 1st, 2nd 3rd etc etc attempt. Seems to work OK-ish if I turn it over again very quickly after the first failed attempt. Been told its the solenoid by a mechanic mate - not throwing back quick enough so motor is already spinning before it reaches the flywheel and so won't engage. Any comments welcomed.

Q.   Any quick fix for this before my wife goes even sparer...(took 7 trys to start this morning)    Do I need to take off the starter and get it dismantled/serviced or will a squirt of WD40 and a "tap" with a hammer fix it as per several other posts.

Thanks in advance
Greg

[Google]

[siweb]

I've had the same problem on my mk1 (taking it swimming didn't help ) I stripped all the starter down and I mean it all, bit's all over the place as it all was very grubby in there, cleaned/grease it all up, but I put a small drop of oil on the solenoid (or a very small amount of grease will do)

Now works like new
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[ericd]

Hi Greg,
           had the same problem with my K plate mk2, took it to an auto spark and had it reconditioned, getting it off the car can be enough of a challenge if like me you dont have all the right tools let alone stripping it down. Hats off to you siweb!

[GregMason]

Thanks for replies.

Had a crawl under the car and can see what ericd means about getting it off - just a tad tight for swinging a spanner.

Siweb - is stripping the solenoid an easy job? Had a look in the workshop manual and seems to be only 2 bolts holding it to the starter body but the lever and a torsion spring look like they're sitting there ready to ping across the garage floor........ any thoughts. I assume from the exploded diagram in the manual that the solenoid itself is a solid/unstripable unit. I take it you only lube up the "plunger" as the manual calls it (steel core)

Your help appreciated guys
Greg

[Philp]

I've not done a trooper starter but have done several others over the years including recently replacing the solenoid on my chevy starter.  Its generally not difficult, just be careful when you take it apart and make a good note of the order things go together in.  Avoid grease in starter motors as it tends to get all mixed up with muck and clutch dust.  Best lubricant is powdered graphite, just grind up a pencil on some wet and dry and use that.
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Phil

96 or is it a 98 Isuzu Bighorn Lotus

[GregMason]

Hi all.

Thanks for all you help with my starter problem. Took it off, cleaned, greased and pampered it - put it back on and not a bit of difference..............grrrrrrrr

Anyway took it into an autoelectrics dealer today and they fixed it in under 5 minutes for £25 - turns out it was the clutch on the pinion gear. So if anyone has a similar problem hope they find this thread and check the pinion gear.

But on the bright side my starter is cleaned to concours standard

Greg