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[Paul Doc]

Unfortunately my P4 has been sitting gathering dust since the end of last year and when coming to start it this month it would appear the starter motor has jammed.
The battery is fully charged, all ignition lights etc. come on but nothing happens when I try to turn the engine over. Any tips on removing the starter? It all looks very congested in there compared to the last flat 4 starter I removed (on a single carb 'Sud!)
Unluckilly there is no room to get the car out of the garage to try push starting it! Oh well...

Paul

[tvatavuk]

Hi Paul,
I removed it 3 times .
Take your keys with You don't leave them in car, unplug battery

Remove alu mainfold.
- unscrew only top screw tightner on each cyl rubber intake fastner
- unscrew 4 number 10? screws
-front 1. front holding idle valve to alu intake,
-back 2. 3. 4. holding fuel preassure valve, accel thorttle wire and spark cables
- unscrew rubber pipes from alu intake, AFM and oil breather pipe.

You can remove spark distributor cap.

Remove main ground on L piece of metal.
Unscrew other screw holding starter (13-15-17mm??)
After it with little fiddling around you can move it to front a little and take it up under some angle.
_________________
Tino Vatavuk
Little black dress which replaced Alfa Romeo 33 S 16v Permanent 4 GMo

[Paul Doc]

Thanks Tino, guessed there'd be some dismantling to do!

I've now bought spare keys after my troubles changing the battery on the 1.5....

[tvatavuk]

np.
Well on 16v, 80% (thermostat,main ground,starter,brushes on alternator, slave cyl...) stuff you do starts with removing alu inlet mainfold, it's so common as opening bonet
Sorry I didn't remember it was you with keys.
_________________
Tino Vatavuk
Little black dress which replaced Alfa Romeo 33 S 16v Permanent 4 GMo

[john 33_16v]

Hi,

Before you remove the starter, try running a bit of cable between the positive terminal of the starter motor, and the battery positive terminal.

If this works, then what you need to set up is a simple circuit with a relay, as not enough juice is getting to the starter via the loom.

This is an old 33 problem. Scott Sander from the old forum had info on his website. www.sanderfamily.com i think????

Connect the existing starter supply lead to an old (working!) relay such as a headlight relay, and then run a cable from the battery to the relay. I use a fused link near battery terminal for saftey.

I set this up about 3 or 4 years ago, and it has started instantly ever since.

Much cheaper than a starter motor!!!

John
_________________
If it aint broke, fiddle with it until it is!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
93 33 16v Mirtle Met
08 Fiat Grande Punto Exotica Red
90 Yamaha FZR600 Genesis- Silky white/red/blue

[tvatavuk]

...and sometimes it's electric solenoind on top of starter or starter itself needs a little tap on its housing to start working.
I've seen some pretty dented starter housings, beacause people were to lazy to changes burshes.
_________________
Tino Vatavuk
Little black dress which replaced Alfa Romeo 33 S 16v Permanent 4 GMo

[gritsop]

Hi,

Usually the problem with starter motor starts when dirt accumulates in the solenoid. The small piston cannot move freely and the engaging gear does not return to it position as fast as it should.
This results in a crunching noise coming from this engaging gear to the flywheel just when the driver has started the motor.
In addition the brushes wear out depending on the frequency that the car is used and the number of short trips which means how many times per day ones turns on the motor.

It is a good idea to replace the brush holder since this is the most important element of the motor. Its cost is not that high; it cost me 25€ a couple of weeks ago when I had the electroinjectors cleaned and most of the engine stuff was out. It was a good opportunity to service it and don't deal with it anymore (hopefully).

Regards,
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

[Paul Doc]

Thanks Guys,looks like it was just lack of use that's jammed it...
Took it off this morning,blew away some dust,rubbed on some graphite and it's all working again!
Interesting to hear about the current drop problem though.I still have to find out what's draining the battery if it sits without being started for a few days.I guess fitting the new steering rack and checking the speedo sensor and wiring will come first.The speedo turns with a 9v battery connected across the terminals, so I guess it's a problem further back towards the gearbox.
Cheers again

Paul

P4
1.5ie Sportivo
1350 Sud