Starter Motor Trouble - 1.6s

[Ap0k]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum, have a problem with my newly acquired MK1 Leon 1.6s, 2001 with 72k on the clock. Seems to be the typical symptoms that other people have described of starter motor problems - for about 1 second after starting the car, there is a loud screeching noise, which goes away completely and the car drives fine. So far, the car has never failed to start.

I have sourced a few starter motors for around £50, and was wondering how difficult it is to fit it myself? Whereabouts is the starter motor on a 1.6? If anyone has done this before, and could suggest any instructions for me I'd be really grateful!

Cheers

 

[g1]

http://www.upfordown.com/public/pdownload/2696/Sound clip 01.wav

does yours make the same noise as in the clip above?

 

[Ap0k]

For some reason my web-browsers keep freezing when I try to open that link - i've tried IE, mozilla and maxthon Any other sites I can hear it?

Cheers

 

[g1]

http://s552.photobucket.com/albums/j...4012009001.flv

 

[Markyboyt]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum, have a problem with my newly acquired MK1 Leon 1.6s, 2001 with 72k on the clock. Seems to be the typical symptoms that other people have described of starter motor problems - for about 1 second after starting the car, there is a loud screeching noise, which goes away completely and the car drives fine. So far, the car has never failed to start.

I have sourced a few starter motors for around £50, and was wondering how difficult it is to fit it myself? Whereabouts is the starter motor on a 1.6? If anyone has done this before, and could suggest any instructions for me I'd be really grateful!

Cheers

your fault description does sound initially like a starter motor not fully disengaging.
I think its a pretty straight forward job on your car, i think it may be under the airbox on the 1.6 but i don't know if i looked for the right engine. Have a look and see if you can see it under there. If so, unbolt it swap it and rebuild. (its advsable to remove the negative lead from the battery to prevent shorting it out as their is a power lead onto the starter.

 

[Ap0k]

I really sorry g1, that link for photobucket didnt work either

Hi markyboyt, thanks for the advice. I'll have a look and see if I can find it, I'd think I would probably be saving a fair bit on labour doing it myself

 

[Ap0k]

Hi, had a look in the engine bay, I found it under the airbox as you said mate - Just so I get this right, is this what I have to do:

- Disconnect negative lead of battery (this wont bugger the alarm/ECU will it?)
- Undo bolts holding the starter motor on
- Disconnect wires
- Exact opposite with new motor?

I think ill order the replacement and give it a go in the next couple of days if that sounds cool?

Cheers

 

[Markyboyt]

Hi, had a look in the engine bay, I found it under the airbox as you said mate - Just so I get this right, is this what I have to do:

- Disconnect negative lead of battery (this wont bugger the alarm/ECU will it?)
- Undo bolts holding the starter motor on
- Disconnect wires
- Exact opposite with new motor?

I think ill order the replacement and give it a go in the next couple of days if that sounds cool?

Cheers

Yes that's the one dude. I don't know how you will stand disconnecting the battery in regards to your alarm and also radio. The only other option is to make certain the leads don't touch anything, insulation tape should work for that

 

[Ap0k]

Hi, I got another starter motor through today from a breakers yard, £35. Had a look in the car, removed the airbox but I didnt find the starter motor, or anything that looks like the one I got through! I think I must have been looking at something else, smaller and silver sitting at the right bottom corner of the airbox, dont think that was it.

Does anyone by any chance have a picture of the 1.6 engine bay and could point out where it is lol??

Cheers again

 

[Markyboyt]

Hi, I got another starter motor through today from a breakers yard, £35. Had a look in the car, removed the airbox but I didnt find the starter motor, or anything that looks like the one I got through! I think I must have been looking at something else, smaller and silver sitting at the right bottom corner of the airbox, dont think that was it.

Does anyone by any chance have a picture of the 1.6 engine bay and could point out where it is lol??

Cheers again

Can you post a pic of what theyve sent you?
Also what is your engine code?

 

[Muttley]

I think the starter motor is located underneath the battery tray, and needs the battery, tray and undertray to be removed in order to get it out.

 

[Ap0k]

I cant post a link to my pics, forum doesnt let me until iv posted 15 times? I can email them to you if that would work mate?

Engine code is AUS.

Ah, under the battery tray, think its still an easy job to do like? Iv been quoted £45 to get it fitted at a garage...

 

[Muttley]

From the looks of things, getting access to the starter is the main pain. Battery and tray have to come out to get at the top bolt, then the undertray and lefthand side engine bay panel have to come off to get at the bottom bolt and finally lower the starter out. Nothing complicated, but lots of disassembly to get in then reassembly to finish off with.