Has the starter motor died?

[Satvc]

So I took the phz 1 vee out for a lovely drive today as the weather was good. When I got home I gave her a wash ready to go back in the garage, went to start her and it seemed like the battery had died? The starter motor turned really slow and not enough power to start the car.
I checked the battery voltage which was 12.34 which dropped to 9v as I tried to turn it over. Then went back up to 12+. Using a jump pack the limp / weak starter was the same.

A neighbour gave us a push and it bump started so I could put it back in the garage. After leaving on idle for a while with a decent 13+ volts in the battery I turned it of and tried to start it again. The same limp starter again.

I’m guessing the starter motor is dead. Or possibly the starter relay?
I’ve been searching on here for a couple of hours now and see people recommended a Bosch alternative but can find any part number me or equivalent?
Does anyone have any links to the right part Or upgrade for a phz 1 starter motor?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Jamesv6]

Certainly sounds like the starter.

Have you read this topic? It lists Bosch part numbers.

viewtopic.php?p=231402#p231402

Try Scott at SG Motorsport if you need more help.

 

[Satvc]

Thanks for that!
Does the phz1 and 2 Share the same starter motor?

 

[Jamesv6]

LX760 is Phase 1
Lx762 is Phase 2

 

[Satvc]

I’ll give SG Scott a call today. This can be the new lockdown project! Thanks for your help.

 

[Kett]

can't you start with a booster?
Maybe it's just the battery ... Short circuit with 2 cells?

It’s a known fault. Not even Jedi mind tricks work! Fortunately, the newer starter motor product is thought to be sturdier.

 

[rustedandrotten]

Voltage seems a bit low, 14+v running is more the norm. Check the earth straps, particularly the one from chassis to gearbox as this is known to get manky! starter is notorious so when you get a new one insist on bolted magnets not glued as the epoxy bonding ages badly on a V6. Discussions with Henkel's R&D director in Munich who make the adhesive for Valeo was not surprised but denied responsibility!! :rofl:

 

[Dougieboy1]

i just had exactly the same fault about 2 months ago, exactly the same symptoms. I bought a new battery because i thought mine was dead. It wasnt.

I called Scott, he sent me a bolted magnet renault replacement in exchange for my unglued one plus cash obvs!!

its a right ball ache swapping it over with the engine in situ but it is possible. You have to remove the oil filter and housing. Removal is easier than installation.

There is a great visual guide to it in the knowledge section which i referred to. The only thing i would add to the guide is the top bolt at the back of the heat shield is easier to install from inside the car rather than underneath - this comment will make more sense when you do it!

I have a lift in my garage so could do most of it standing up which is easier. How you do it on your back with axle stands must take a great deal of patience. I probably spent an hour and a half every evening for a week doing it. Its the time i would normally have spent commuting home so lockdown was a massive help!

I would also reiterate the earthing comment. When i swapped to the new starter, it didnt work. After some wise advice, i cleaned off the earth strap at the gearbox end which was really manky. Started first time. I still find myself grinning inanely ever time it starts now which it does like a dream.

Good luck

Andrew

 

[Satvc]

can't you start with a booster?
Maybe it's just the battery ... Short circuit with 2 cells?

I tried using my new Li ion jump pack with no joy.

 

[Satvc]

Voltage seems a bit low, 14+v running is more the norm. Check the earth straps, particularly the one from chassis to gearbox as this is known to get manky! starter is notorious so when you get a new one insist on bolted magnets not glued as the epoxy bonding ages badly on a V6. Discussions with Henkel's R&D director in Munich who make the adhesive for Valeo was not surprised but denied responsibility!! :rofl:

The voltage I stated was when the car wasn’t running!

I’m definitely looking at a bolted magnet starter. It’s seems to be a very common problem. Thanks

 

[Satvc]

i just had exactly the same fault about 2 months ago, exactly the same symptoms. I bought a new battery because i thought mine was dead. It wasnt.

I called Scott, he sent me a bolted magnet renault replacement in exchange for my unglued one plus cash obvs!!

its a right ball ache swapping it over with the engine in situ but it is possible. You have to remove the oil filter and housing. Removal is easier than installation.

There is a great visual guide to it in the knowledge section which i referred to. The only thing i would add to the guide is the top bolt at the back of the heat shield is easier to install from inside the car rather than underneath - this comment will make more sense when you do it!

I have a lift in my garage so could do most of it standing up which is easier. How you do it on your back with axle stands must take a great deal of patience. I probably spent an hour and a half every evening for a week doing it. Its the time i would normally have spent commuting home so lockdown was a massive help!

I would also reiterate the earthing comment. When i swapped to the new starter, it didnt work. After some wise advice, i cleaned off the earth strap at the gearbox end which was really manky. Started first time. I still find myself grinning inanely ever time it starts now which it does like a dream.

Good luck

Andrew

I’ve spoken to Scott at SG
I will be booking it in at the end of the year for a full winter cleanup and going through. At the moment I’m going to get a friend (mechanic) to change the starter locally. Along with a new thermostat as I think it has a temperature issue. (Possibly due to being stood up for 5 years)

I will definitely check the gearbox earth strap. Thanks for the advice.

 

[DaveL485]

I’ve spoken to Scott at SG
I will be booking it in at the end of the year for a full winter cleanup and going through. At the moment I’m going to get a friend (mechanic) to change the starter locally. Along with a new thermostat as I think it has a temperature issue. (Possibly due to being stood up for 5 years)

I will definitely check the gearbox earth strap. Thanks for the advice.

If its running too cold you'll need the seal that goes around the stat too.

 

[Satvc]

Thanks guys. Just got the car back. New starter motor and thermostat.
Took her out for a cheeky 80 miles run to test everything. Still can’t get enough of the attention it draws. Thanks again for the advice.

 

[Dougieboy1]

Thanks guys. Just got the car back. New starter motor and thermostat.
Took her out for a cheeky 80 miles run to test everything. Still can’t get enough of the attention it draws. Thanks again for the advice.

More fun than going to specsavers for an eye test.....