| Author | Message | ||
     SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 539 Registered: 06-2002 |
This is both a technical post and a non-tech observation. I drove my truck to MAR, drove it pretty hard on the trails (for being stock and not having a tune-up) and essentially put her up 'wet.' She made the trip home beautifully and with as much class as ever, just covered in mud. However, I was out of town until Thursday morning, at which point I decided to run her a little bit before driving my company car out again. I turned the key, no sound, then she started. Nothing major, just a strange hesitation. Let it run, turned it off, waited, turned the key again...nothing. All power, radio and lights, etc...but no sound other than clicking. I've tried it three times since then and have checked the battery cables. Everything LOOKS normal. So, I'm assuming it's the starter. Haven't jumped it yet to rule out the battery but with as much power as I'm getting... Question is this: if I need a new starter, can I put it in myself and order the parts? Where is the damn thing even located in the engine bay? Could someone send me a picture? I need a Manual. My second point: WHY DIDN'T SHE BREAK WHEN THERE WERE 400 ROVERS AROUND AND PEOPLE THAT COULD WORK ON IT EASILY?!!!! Typical....just typical. Any help would be appreciated. I want to drive my baby. And she needs a car wash! | ||
| Ron Ward (Ronward) Senior Member Username: Ronward Post Number: 346 Registered: 02-2002 |
SSV, Rover starters don't like getting soaked in water and mud and left to dry on their own. If you battery checks out ok (put a meter on both terminals and read the volts) then I would aim for a new starter. Mean Green makes a beefy replacement. I know what you mean about not experiencing problems while in the midst of 400 Rover enthusiasts only to have a problem later when you are all alone. RW | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 540 Registered: 06-2002 |
Thanks Ron. Weird thing is, I don't think I got much mud or water in the engine....nothing looks dirty in there except the air intake...unless the starter is underneath? Can you tell me where to look?! | ||
| Axel Haakonsen (Axel) Moderator Username: Axel Post Number: 421 Registered: 02-2003 |
Look in the footwell on the passenger side. There should be a large octagonal shaped green metal box there. If you can't find it, you are in trouble. Just kidding... Seriously, there are two red wires running from your battery, one goes to the fuse box underneath the hood, the other one goes to the starter on the lower front part of your engine. - Axel | ||
| Jaime (Blueboy) Senior Member Username: Blueboy Post Number: 767 Registered: 02-2002 |
try tapping the started with a hammer. it might free it up enough to get it started. know it sounds wierd, yet, it does work on occassion if something is binding from a bunch of mud in it. you can also get starters rebuilt for not too much money in a fairly quick turn around time. mine has lasted 2 years now. Jaime | ||
| Ron Brown (Ron) Senior Member Username: Ron Post Number: 494 Registered: 04-2001 |
The connections on the starter are known to be loose. There is an update to install a star washer, this is most likely the issue. Ron | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 541 Registered: 06-2002 |
Thanks everyone. Axel, I was actually going to do that...follow the wires...usually works. Jaime, I have done that before with my old Mercedes Diesel...and it did work temporarily! We are looking at getting it rebuilt if necessary, there is a guy in town who said he could probably do it in a day...I was just wary of doing so. Is it worth it or should I just replace it? Ron, I'll check the connections and see what we can do. You say just adding a star washer will help secure it better? I am certainly hoping that is the only issue. How are all those exhaust pipes and fender pieces you got in the auction working out?!  You made off like a bandit!!! Am heading home soon to see what I can fix. I guess she was just too embarrassed to break in front of the other Rovers, wanted to wait until we were parked at home! Ron Ward, what happened to you?! | ||
| Ron Brown (Ron) Senior Member Username: Ron Post Number: 496 Registered: 04-2001 |
SSV too bad I did not get to talk to you. Ironically I put the "2 litre diesel" (which I knew was actually for a 2 litre petrol) head pipe then put the RRC muffler, and the TDI 110 tailpipe together and they fit PERFECTLY on a 1957 107 SW LOL! Go figure. The TDI 110 tailpipe looks like a good fit on disco so I might use the other one for that. The sad thing is the poor TDi 110 is getting left out. The fenders I gave to Stacy and Pouch who someone plowed into their RR on the trail and wrecked that fender and the door. Too bad they did not have a door for auction too. Yes SSV the star washer (or simpley tightening it) would most likely fix it. The starter is underneeth at the botton on the side. If you do end up needing a new starter they are cheap from the dealer/RN NAD101490 under $200. Ron | ||
| Max Thomason (Lrmax) Senior Member Username: Lrmax Post Number: 263 Registered: 11-2002 |
Try disconnecting the cables to the starter and then cleaning up all connections REALLY good with a wire brush. I've had trouble in the past and cleaning up the terminals takes care of it. Max T. | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 542 Registered: 06-2002 |
HOORAY FOR ME! I got under the truck last night and did a little tightening...truck started with no problems. Drove her to the gas station and car wash today, stopped again. Wiggled the wires between battery and starter, and we were on our way again. We stopped at Auto Zone and picked up some star washers (or something similar) and went back home. With Ivan's help from above and me below, we were able to get the nut off and pull the wire out. It was gunked with plenty of dirt...so I cleaned it off and we replaced it all with the new tighter washer. TA DA! No more problems! I love it when things like this are simple. My starter is strong. PHEW....on to more important endeavors like tires... Thanks for the suggestions guys. I guess MAR was good for the soul but I'm definitely going to be washing mud out for weeks...months...even until next year. BUT IT WAS WORTH IT ALL! | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 543 Registered: 06-2002 |
Ron, sorry I missed chatting with you too. I talked to Alyssa for a while about P38 RRs; info for my dad. Sounds like the auction was a good deal after all. I'm sorry I missed the set of steel wheels for $7.50!!  There is always next year. Maybe I'll catch up with you all in PA, I'm trying desperately to get my husband into a new Disco. OH, and I saw your puppy! She(?) is so gorgeous now! Mine stayed home, but it was for the better. | ||
| Rans (Rans) Senior Member Username: Rans Post Number: 572 Registered: 08-2002 |
Ron, I have some lights for you..... | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 545 Registered: 06-2002 |
CRAP Well, I thought I had her fixed. Cleaned the connections off and she was starting without a problem. Drove to work this am...and at lunch she was dead again. Tried three times. Cussed a little, walked inside and made a few phone calls, went back out and she started! AHHHH! I need to know how to remove the metal 'box' guard that is surrounding the starter so that we can possibly replace it. My husband can get it in and out if we can figure out how to get to it! Any help is appreciated.... | ||
| Jaime (Blueboy) Senior Member Username: Blueboy Post Number: 768 Registered: 02-2002 |
Sus, that is exactly what my did before I finally did the re-build. worked some of the time yet not all of the time. very frustrating. as Ron mentioned a new isn't that bad for price. my re-build was U$100. Jaime | ||
| SSV (Susannah) Senior Member Username: Susannah Post Number: 546 Registered: 06-2002 |
Thanks Jaime. We are either going to replace it or have it rebuilt...but I need to be able to get the thing out of the engine! Did you remove it yourself or have a shop do it? | ||
| Jaime (Blueboy) Senior Member Username: Blueboy Post Number: 769 Registered: 02-2002 |
took the easy way - local LR shop did it for me. its a matter of time as I'm usually traveling during the week and need the weekend to catch up. actually the shop time was not that expensive if I remember right which kinda leads me to believe it must not have taken alot of time to perform the work. Jaime | ||
| Mike Hippert (Mikeh) New Member Username: Mikeh Post Number: 22 Registered: 04-2003 |
I just replaced mine on my 94 D90. "The metal 'box' guard" is a heat shield for the CATs If it is like mine then it is connected by the headers. You will not be able to see the bolts but you can feel them and get a socket on em. I did not have to remove the Heat shield on mine to get the starter off but I had to remove it to be able to get the Mean-Green on. The Starter is held on by 2 Hex keys (or Alan wrenches) I bought a set of socket to hex key set to be able to take mine off (makes it allot easier then using Alan wrenches). |
