Roadster Starter Fault

[Ratchet]

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum and to Singer ownership and I'm looking for a point in the right direction.

My 1947 Singer Roadster has an intermittent starting fault which appears to be related to the starter motor. Sometimes it will and sometimes it wont however if I reach under the bonnet and activate the lever on the end of the starter and then gently tap the starter body with the handle of a screwdriver it generally starts. I'm guessing that there is some kind of plunger switch under the actuating arm which could be the source of the problem but I wondered if this was a regular and "well trodden" fault.

I did try the starter with the headlights on and noted that the lights didn't dim when the start switch was pulled so my assumption from that is that the starter isn't drawing any current. This is what's led me to suspect the switch / solenoid to be at the root of the problem.

Any pointers would be appreciated

Thanks

Stu

[mikeyr]

I would think the solenoid is dirty or corroded. When you pull on the cable it makes a connection inside the solenoid and if they are worn/dirty it does not work. On the 4AD its a easy fix but the 4A I am not sure how easy it is to dis-assemble.

[Ratchet]

Thanks Mikey,

I'll remove it today if I get a chance and have a look. I'm presuming that the switch / solenoid assembly is removable but I guess I'll find out later today.

Regards

Stu

[Ratchet]

Well the starter is removed and the solenoid is detached from the starter.

MikeyR was right it's the contacts inside the solenoid. Not dirty but eroded / worn so that the copper disc is only making reliable contact on one side and not bridging the two contacts. Will endeavour to make a replacement from sheet copper unless anybody knows of a source of spares for M35G starter solenoids.

I was planning to post some pictures but I'm not sure of the process. Do the pictures need to be hosted remotely on photobucket or similar?

Thanks

Stu

[ColinB]

To post a picture you just click on 'attachments' at the bottom of the 'reply' screen and then click on 'add files'. You can then browse your pictures and select the one you want to upload.

[Ratchet]

Thanks Colin ...

Attached image of the dodgy contacts which I think are the cause of my erratic starter motor issues

[indian301]

No need to make new ones, just Flip the contacts over and left to right.


Dave

[Ratchet]

Thanks Dave,

Didn't occur to me that they'd be mirror images of each other.

Stu

[Ratchet]

Sadly they're not the same so back to plan B

[Phillip]

Hope the starter solenoid repairs went well. This is the type used on the later LM and Sports as well as the A Roadster. The later type mounted on the scuttle on the 4A and 4AD suffers the same problem but is a sealed unit and not so easy to fix!

I have seen these lever pull type starter solenoids for sale on eBay and at Beaulieu. Probably available from factors like Paul Beck also.

[Ratchet]

Hi Phillip,

The starter issues are now all resolved thanks. Went for a long drive this afternoon... next on my list is brakes