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UK & Ireland S2000 CommunityDiscussions related to the S2000, its ownership and enthusiasm for it in the UK and Ireland. Including FAQs, and technical questions.
My first option would be to spray loads of WD40 in the pre-engagement assembly and check the connections to the solenoid, I've had batteries in various states of life and misuse and as yet never had the problem as described. If the WD40 gives you a quick fix then strip it clean it and put it back, either that or replace the starter when it eventually fails. A quick search shows they are cheap enough refurbed to not warrant a breaker part.
I experienced this on a my old car, everything getting super hot on track days contributed to it, but it was mostly a "cold mornings" problem.
I had my starter motor replaced a couple of times with used items (beware the knock sensor as you are likely to knock it out when trying to get the rusty bolts of the starter motor undone) and that fixed it. unclefester has refurbished a couple of these which also fixes the problem. See here for lots of lovely pics: https://www.s2ki.com/forums/uk-irela...-motor-904148/
It's really nothing to worry abut in the grand scheme of things, other than being a little embarrassing.
In the old days, we were lucky to get 40K out of Prince of Darkness starter motor, before the Bendix drive gunked up and it made retard-noises.
Got quite used to pulling them apart, cutting back the comms insulators, polishing the copper with emery paper and fitting new brushes plus a clean & re-grease.
There usually a bugger to get to with inline engines.
In the old days, we were lucky to get 40K out of Prince of Darkness starter motor, before the Bendix drive gunked up and it made retard-noises.
Got quite used to pulling them apart, cutting back the comms insulators, polishing the copper with emery paper and fitting new brushes plus a clean & re-grease.
There usually a bugger to get to with inline engines.
No problem on my old Mk2 Cortina, was a bi annual ritual. I was lucky enough to be in a job where I could "borrow" loads of isopropyl alcohol and give it a good soaking. No problem getting to it as you could open the bonnet and virtually get in with the engine.
I forgot to mention - since Hondas use a Bosch-type pre-engaging solenoid, it is probably that which most requires cleaning. Or you need in check your ring (!) and pinion for damaged teeth.
Mine is still quiet 6 years later although i am sure i'm beginning to hear the tell tale screech returning. I'll just add it to the list as it seems i'm destined to be buried before i ever sell the damned car.
I had the same problem with my MY07. It would only grind on really cold mornings but as the years went on it started to then grind on mild mornings, it didn't really bother me and I ignored it for several years but last year I decided to replace the starter motor. I wasn't prepared to pay the £400 for the Honda unit so I purchased a Borg & Beck start motor off ebay for £150 and got my Honda dealer to fit it for me, the mechanic said it was pretty much identical to the Honda one. That was a year ago and it has worked perfectly since.
So to ask, what have people paid for the new starter? and also the labour cost of removing old/fitting new one? as in having the entire job done by an auto-electrical garage.
I managed to get mine replaced. My car still had the original Honda denso unit.
I looked at the DIY guides on replacing it, and it didnt look that bad. As the weather is really cold and it gets dark early now I thought i would get a garage do it for me.
I luckily sourced one on Ebay and took a punt, brand new Blueprint version of the starter motor at £35 delivered.
I got my usual garage to install it for me. They charged £85.
He gave me alittle discount as I have used him quite alot in the past for many big jobs on my other cars.
But typical prices would be around £100 to £135 labour charge.
It was punt that paid off luckily.
Grinding is now eliminated
Typical prices for other starter motors are around £150 to £250 ish.
GTman above reported he bought a Borg and Beck starter motor which worked well.
So to ask, what have people paid for the new starter? and also the labour cost of removing old/fitting new one? as in having the entire job done by an auto-electrical garage.
10-23-2018, 10:50 PM
