Starter Motor Trouble

[misty]

My starter motor doesn't always engage. Sometimes I have to turn the key three times and then it will work. I notice the battery voltage dropping when it doesn't start. So I'm thinking it's not the ignition switch?

Could this be the stater motor getting current but the gear not engaging? If it's not engaging, can I do anything to make it work without taking the starter out?

I have sprayed some light oil on the toothed gear in the timing inspection hole but that also helped in fact that it doesn't sound rough when starting no more (before it used to sound terrible, now it's a lot quieter).

Regards
Misty

[seaboltman]

hit it with a hammer?
or
Get someone to try to start it, and you watch the gear when they try to start it, if its not moving, then its not engaging.

[944freak]

Mine did the same thing. I removed the starter and the gear wasnt popping out correctly because of dirt and corrosion. I used some penetrating fluid and cleaned it out nicely. Do not grease it up because it will collect clutch dust and whatnot and corrode again. Mine has worked fine since i cleaned it.

[misty]

Thanks guys,

Is there any way of getting some penetrating oil on the gear without having to get under the car and take the blimmin starter out?

Cheers
Misty