Technical Starter problems

[wickdogg]

Has anyone had a problem with rebuilt starters? I had one rebuilt and all it does is grind when I pull the starting lever. They told me the linkage may be too long and not fully extending the bendix into the flywheel. Well I disconnected the linkage up front and ran a screwdriver through the hole in the end of the linkage. I pulled the cable as far as I could and all I got was grinding again. Then to eliminate the cable situation all together I used the wooden end of a hammer to fully actuate the lever. The starter only made a grinding noise. I also tried to rock the car back and forth with the bendix fully extended and it did not mate with the flywheel. Any ideas? Shop possibly rebuild the starter incorrectly? I do have videos if anyone wants to assist. Thanks all for reading.

 

[JakeF]

Add a videoa of the problem

 

[dunnah01]

Not sure how it could be a cable problem if the starter spins - it's operating the lever to bridge the starter contacts as it should. If the pinion gear isn't engaging as it sounds like it isn't then I'd suspect that it's a damaged pinion gear or flywheel ring gear. Try rotating the flywheel by 180 degrees (put car in gear and push forwards a bit - make sure ignition is OFF) and then knock out of gear and see if the starter engages - if not then likely the pinion gear was not checked over during remanufacture of starter motor.

 

[wickdogg]

Thank you everyone for the help. I have returned the starter. When I get it back I hope everything checks out. I am in the Southwest US so it is hard to find anyone that knows jack about FIAT cars. I will inform everyone on what was fixed. Just in case anyone else has the same issue in the future.

 

[wickdogg]

I broke the starter fork off completely. Anyone know someone who has an extra or a website that sells them? The lever itself broke right off. I seemed to have looked everywhere. I want my FIAT running again. HELP!...thanks everyone.:banghead:

 

[the hobbler]

Hi Wickdog;
Look on the web-site of (Leo) Van der Laan---go onto the dynamo/starter page, scroll down and you will see a 'starter fork' suitable for Fiat 500 D/F/L---cost?--E9.50. Take a tip, Leo only does Paypal or bank transfere, so if at all possible go for the Paypal option as the bank transfer cost will far exceed the cost of this part. I have dealt with Leo, always good, seems to be very proffessional--no longer need to:bang: ---just

 

[wickdogg]

Thanks the hobbler. I tried to do this, but they do not ship to the USA. I appreciate the help and that is exactly what I needed. So frustrated. I may try and contact him personally to see if he will make an exception.

 

[Toshi 975]

Have a look on the www.126fan.sk site. Had lots of stuff from them and they are very reliable and good prices.

 

[the hobbler]

morning Wickdogg;
Where do you live in the States? do you have any friends in Europe?--if you do, get them to buy it for you and then have them post it to you---if this fails, contact me directly on my own e-mail address--I have a cunning plan!

 

[jjacob]

There are LOTS of parts suppliers in Europe that will ship to the USA. Plus ebay in Italy, UK and Germany.

John

 

[the hobbler]

Hi Wickdogg;
Try Middle Barton Garage---the part in their listing is:- 3004189399-starter lever. They send all over the world---feel free to use my name as a reference (Tom Montagu); I have done quite a bit of business with them--including buying the 500L they have listed as 'sold'---if none of this works, as I've said before, contact me directly.

 

[wickdogg]

You all are awesome. I have a ton of sites to visit now. I appreciate all the posts. Nothing like countless wonderful weekends passing and can't drive the FIAT anywhere!!! I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico in the south west part of the USA so getting things out here has been a challenge. Only for some things though. Mr. FIAT is a great resourse for you guys in the U.S. Thanks again everyone. I am going to get my part ordered and shipped. Can't wait till it is going down the road again.