Hi, I know this an old original thread, with a few new posts added to it in the last few days, since the site software upgrade, but I've got a comment about the original fault reported, which might prevent anybody needing to remove the starter motor in the first place!
The fault was reported as the starter motor turned, but didn't start the engine. Over the 20 years I had my Puma, it did a similar thing about 3 or 4 times. It sounded like the motor spun with a constant note, not with the usual "whir - whir - whir" sound of it reaching and passing the compression of the cylinders. In my case, that sounded like the pinion wasn't connecting with the flywheel and so not turning, or starting the engine.
To check if it was connecting with the flywheel, I put it into either 1st gear or reverse and CAREFULLY turned the key and the car lurched forward or backward a TINY bit, proving it WAS turning the engine, despite the unusual sound! As soon as I took it out of gear, it started the engine as normal, immediately and never gave any problems again for quite a few years!
I just thought I'd described what happened with me, in case anybody else has found this thread, looking to fix a similar problem.
CAUTION: IF YOU DO TRY STARTING IN GEAR, TAKE GREAT CARE THAT THE CAR CAN'T HIT ANY CLOSE OBJECTS OR PEOPLE!!! I was lucky enough to be able to do it on my garden driveway, out of harm's way!
new brushes and pinion, starts like new amazing! Thanks to all :lol:
