Starting issue with Massey 1010

[kaferhaus]

Usually when cold, turn the glow plugs on for 20 seconds and it starts right up. Sometimes I have to hold the key to the start position for a few seconds before the starter engages...

When the engine is warm it often takes several attempts before the starter engages. Sometimes hear the solenoid click hard sometimes not. That seems to have no bearing on whether the starter spins or not though...

I know in the "old days" most starters had bushings and a worn bushing would allow the armature to tilt or bind a bit and cause this but this starter has sealed ball bearings on both ends of the shaft.

Could it be bad brushes? Armature going bad? All the connections are tight, battery is only a few months old etc. It's been doing this for several months. Always starts but my fear is sometime soon it's not going too and with my luck it will be out on a job somewhere....

Saddest thing is I don't think you can buy any parts for the starter, just complete starters.

 

[evan price]

One way to check if the problem is a wiring or switch issue is to first ensure you are in neutral. Jump the small wire on the starter solenoid to a 12V source (the battery terminal on the starter works well). If the starter immediately kicks over, you know the problem is in the wiring; ignition switch of clutch safety switch or something.

If it does not the problem is probably dirty contacts in the starter solenoid.

Fortunately the starter motors while not directly interchangeable can be fixed using parts for a standard Mitsubishi automotive starter. I have also been told that the generic starter for most Mitsubishis/Hyundais can be used if you swap the nose casting.