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Primera starter problem

All,

(Apologies if this post appears twice. NTL news didn't seem to take it, first time.)

Maybe one of you has been here before and can offer wonderful advice. My L reg Primera has had this starter problem since I bought it 3 years ago with 48K miles. It now has 85K miles and the problem is getting worse.

When I turn the ignition key, the starter whizzes around without engaging the flywheel. It used to engage at the 1st, 2nd or (at worst) 3rd attempt. Now it has degraded to needing sometimes 5 or 6 attempts before the starter engages the flywheel. I believe the problem is worse in cold weather.

I'm pretty sure it is a starter problem, rather than missing / broken teeth on the flywheel as I can put it into 5th gear, push it forwards a few yards and try again with no guarantee of success.

The Haynes manual suggests removing the exhaust manifold and front pipe for best access to the starter. Is this really necessary ?

Any (sensible) suggestions ?

Thanks in advance.

Rob

Reply to
Rob
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Sticking inertia pinion. Remove motor from car and clean up. You can do it without removing the exhaust but it will be awkward, as you have to lay under the car and reach up over the steering gear (motor is on rear side of engine).

Stuart Sharp

Reply to
Stu

inertia starters are on very old cars, it will be the pre-engaged type.

My guess is the pinion clutch has failed, new starter time.

There's a small possibility it could be a sticking solenoid, but usually you just get a 'click' when these fail...

Reply to
Chris

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