V8 high reduction starter issues

[vnv8driver]

Ive had a mini high reduction starter in the v8 calais for a week now and have some issues that i wouldnt mind getting to the bottom of.

It works fine, kicks over quicker than the stock unit, but upon the engine first firing over for a split second theres a rattle which sounded like a loose inspection cover.

Ive tried taking the efi relay out and cranking the motor without it starting, it made no noise whatsoever, put the relay back in and start it, and it makes the rattling sound for a quick tick?? to me all i can think of is the pinion isnt retracting fast enough when the motor first initially fires and the flywheel is taking the starter for a bit of a ride until it completely retracts into its shell.

Ive also been playing with how long you turn the key for, with the extra kick of the starter i can either start it with a quick flick of the key or turn it for a second like i used to, but still makes the same rattling sound. EDIT- with a quick flick of the key i can make the sound dissapear 50/50 of the time.


Any help would be great from people who have had these starters in before.

[vnv8driver]

also both the flywheel and starter teeth are in good nick.

[vnv8driver]

double post

[vnv8driver]

this video shows the motor starting by flicking the key for a split second, and the second turning the key like i did with the normal starter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raqhmjsTKpo

[vnv8driver]

im sure someones got a reduction starter in their v8?? tell me if what mine is doing is normal, i did it earlier when i went out, it doesnt make the rattle if i just flick the key for a quarter of a second but if i keep the key cranking for even 1 second, it catch's....

Im thinking now its just that my motor low compression from the factory and these are meant for higher comp motors.

[Blown V6 Hatch]

What brand is it?? I have a genuine Bosch gear reduction starter on my 5 litre, never hade a problem with it.....

Edit: Just listened to the video, i would tend to think that the gear is staying engaged with the flexplate after the engine has started. Thats what it sounds like to me anyway.

[vnv8driver]

i think thats it i have never had one of these before and must have to only flick the key instead of keeping it held down, its a bosch by the way-

[vnv8driver]

is it the same deal with yours?

[Blown V6 Hatch]

Yep, thats the same one i have (not painted blue though ) and it's been fine....Not a single problem. Doesn't make any unusual noises either

[vnv8driver]

i just have to get used to turning the key quickly instead of holding it down, maybe the blue paint is affecting the retraction speed and needs to be taken off.


alot better than my old one though and only cost 75 bucks.

[centy]

ok sounds like the gears are staying engagdd for a short period of time.
Starter motors have a thing called a sprag clucth that lets the gear turn faster then the starter so if there is a problem and it does not release for some reason it does not spin the start to death.
as there is a bit of paint on the shaft maybe it is causing it to stick that tiny bit.
Cleaning the starter with solvents like petrol can damage the sprag clutch so if are going to clean it be very careful.
did you take the solenoid off?
If you took the solenoid of the fork may not be properly engaged and not pulling the gear ack as it shoud and the motor spinning may be throwing it back

[GoldCoastCommodoreSpares]

i got it through the trading post and put it in as soon as i got it already painted blue.... was off a 355 s/c donk... i might just let it ride and see if the paint comes off by cranking it for a week or 2... i want to try and avoid taking it out again as its a pain in the ass for such a small job..

[centy]

try cleaning the shaft a little when you get it out and pulling the gear forward.
If the gear come forward with little effort then it is gunna be the gear and solenoid are not located on the fork correctly.
It is real easy to stuff if you have never done it before. I did the first time.
Also possible is a sticky solenoid, or weak return spring inside.

[vlv8vic]

same one on my old V8 (also not blue) and never had any trouble. i did have a bent cover under there that hit the torque converter bolts and caused a nasty noise. not what you seem to have though.

Have you taken it out completely and reinstalled? sometimes thats all it takes.

[delcowizzid]

remove the paint off the shaft and grease it will help like stated above .The sprag clutch wont last forever if it keeps jamming up.

[GoldCoastCommodoreSpares]

cheers for the help guys, no i dont know too much about the guts of starter motors so all the help is great.

vlv8- yep i put that stupid alloy cover back on the starter, could be the source of the problem but ill have to get it jacked up again...

centy & delco- ill take the bolts off the insection cover to get access to the shaft so i can slip some grease in there, but not very keen on doing the job again anytime soon as its a PAIN..lol


For now if im careful with the key and only flick it momentarily i should be right.... if something goes wrong in the meantime youll hear about it in this thread about me throwing **** at the vn!