New Series Owner Has Starter Question

[mike375]

Hey guys - I am pretty new to Series Rovers -but just bought my first one a couple of months ago (1970 109 Series III). It has all the usual leaks, rust spots and issues - in short it is fantastic. However I believe my starter has gone out. Checked battery, used jumpers to isolate the problem and have determined it is the starter not solenoid or faulty battery. So I pulled the starter yesterday. Two bolts, no problems however when i got looking at it - it sure doesn't look like the starter I have seen on rovers north or in my repair manual - take a look and let me know if this is normal or not. I couldn't see any markings on it - not sure if it is the right starter or if someone at one time installed this one instead of the correct starter. It appears to be a start/solenoid unit - but I also have the factory style solenoid mounted under the air cleaner - however when I got looking at the factory solenoid it doesn't appear to be wired correctly and there is a secondary wire (in addition to the main power and ground) running into the starter I have included the picture of - any advice thoughts would be appreciated.


Thanks for the help.


Mike

[siiirhd88]

Your starter looks like an aftermarket unit. I have one from "Mean Green" in my '81 109 that looks the same, and has thankfully been trouble free. Mine does use the factory type starter solenoid (actually from a '60s Ford) which is mounted on the aft battery support.

Bob
'96 Disco SE7
'81 SIII 109
'75 SIII 88 V8
'68 SIIA 109 V8

[mike375]

thanks for the info - going to see if it can be rebuilt or if it is time to replace with a factory unit.

[LaneRover]

Most can be rebuilt. If it is similar to the 'Mean Green' starter then it is probably better than the factory one. (when working that is)

[Rineheitzgabot]

Mike,

What is your starter doing that makes you think it is failing?

-Gary

[mike375]

It used to start just fine - then it popped a few times, smoked a bit and now just makes the solenoid clicking sound - but not turning. New battery installed and checked, wiring checked and the rover push starts just fine - so I pulled the starter and had it bench tested and it fails to crank. Just dropped it off at a rebuild place and they said about 80 bucks and 2-3 days, which I was fine with. Also found out it is a toyota unit adapted for land rovers. Evidently a good starter (350 bucks or so) so I figured it would be easier and cheaper to rebuild then buy an original.

[Rineheitzgabot]

Just asking, because about every 30 cranks on my starter, and it locks up like that; only a clicking noise.

I tap on it with a hammer, and it cranks again. I'm sure this is signs of the beginning of it failing, but it doesn't necessitate that I go buy a new one right away.

I thought maybe you could get away with it as well, but if you are already on your way, then so be it.

Good luck.

-Gary

[SafeAirOne]

Evidently a good starter (350 bucks or so) so I figured it would be easier and cheaper to rebuild then buy an original.

I would have sold you an original starter in "as-new" condition for $50.


ORIGINAL STARTER:

[mike375]

haha...thanks mark, but ive got one already and it works every time.