Which starter motor would you recommend?

[Mees]

Thanks for the comments Rob, I’m expecting the Ring Gear to be ok, it was fine when I had the engine rebuilt about 7 years ago. The phenomenon, if I can call it that also occurs when starting on the key. I was only using the solenoid to rule out any ignition switch issues.

Do you think fitting a Hi Torq Starter would solve the problem? I’d hate to spend money on a new starter, only to find the problem still persists. Thanks,

[Dale Moore]

Sounds like the usual Bendix being thrown out of mesh when the engine fires but fails to start. But if the ignition is off it can't be firing . Maybe it's just the Bendix is a bit worn. Mine does this regular even thought both the ring gear and Bendix gear are fine. It's just what they do, hence the manufacturers changed to pre engaged years ago, where this don't happen.

Edited April 24 by Dale  Moore

[RobH]

Ah sorry  Ian - I interpreted your post as saying it didn't happen with the key.  

As Dale says - is it really a problem if you can always start the car successfully ?   Has it let you down ? 

 

There are a lot of the Denso-based 'high torque' starters out there if you want to go that way but most seem to be satisfied with either WASP or Powerlite.   Not a recommendation - just a comment.

[Mees]

Thanks Rob & Dale, tbh it hasn’t let me down, yet. There have been times when I thought it was heading that way, but it has always started. I suppose it’s the embarrassed sheepish look when you jump in and turn the key at the petrol station, or pub, or cafe etc, usually when there is a few people stood around, it gets a few quizzical looks, but hey ho.

I’ll do some more research on the Hi Torq starters. Thanks.

[Z320]

Hi, I would take the starter out to check the Bendix mechanism.

It must work smooth and extremely easy.

Please see my videos at Youtube.

When it has been greased the grease can become sticky with the years.

When I checked it I washed all grease of a PO out and used gun oil, petroleum is also possible

[Z320]

 

 

 

[tim hunt]

I have had a Powerlite starter motor fitted for some years now but, in the past, I always used powdered graphite on the  Bendix gear of the original Lucas M418G. this lubricates very well and does not attract dirt/dust as would an oil or grease.

Tim

[stillp]

On 4/25/2026 at 9:22 AM, tim hunt said:

I have had a Powerlite starter motor fitted for some years now but, in the past, I always used powdered graphite on the  Bendix gear of the original Lucas M418G. this lubricates very well and does not attract dirt/dust as would an oil or grease.

Tim

+1.

Pete

[trevor]

On 8/13/2025 at 5:01 PM, BlueTR3A-5EKT said:

Or cut a neat hole in the gearbox tunnel and work from in the footwell 

 

We have a crows foot spanner that fits in an extension that can be operated from under the bonnet   above the starter motor 

 

This is what I did when I fitted a Wasp late last year , then bought large bung from TRGB

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