Trouble starting, guessing it's the starter covered in oil

[kikmonster]

Hello,

The oil leak in my car has been steadily growing and leaving spots in the driveway. Now my starter can start sometimes and just makes noise (like a hissing snake) most of the time (but no turning of the flywheel). I suspect the oil covered starter is the problem.

My question before I pull the starter, is there any chance that I can salvage the starter covered in oil or do I need to buy a new one?

Is Rapido the best place to buy a new starter?

I know I need to get the oil leaks resolved. I know I shouldn't ask this question, but is something like Bar's Leaks even a thought?

Thank you for your advice.

Aundrae

[merkurdriver]

If you're going to have to replace the starter anyways, might as well replacen it with a mini starter:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Lightweight ... 1846659327?

[Ed Lijewski]

Sounds like possibly a weak battery; check that before doing anything else.

YMMV

[kikmonster]

Thanks Mike for the mini starter info, sounds good if I need to change it.

Also I will check out the battery first before getting dirty.

Thank you both for the suggestions.

Aundrae

[Matt01]

your oil leak, sounds like the turbo input or output line, thats leaking down onto the starter.

[Ed Lijewski]

More likely source of the leaking is the valve cover gasket.

Oil fires have sent several XRs to junk yards...

YMMV

[John Brennan]

Be sure to also check the turbo oil drain line. It is easy to replace the gasket without thoroughly cleaning off the old material from the mating surfaces because it's out of sight.

Clean it all off really well and see where the leak starts afresh.

[kikmonster]

Sorry for being lazy about the oil leaks. Thanks for the advice, I definitely don't want my XR going up in smoke!

I will dry it up and see where the leak is.

This forum gives me much encouragement to keep this car going.

Aundrae

[John Brennan]

This forum gives me much encouragement to keep this car going.

We were gonna call it "Merkurholics Anonymous," but thought better of it.

[kikmonster]

Merkur Maniacs

[my8950]

You can get a starter if necessary at your local parts store or rebuilder.
As mentioned, go with the mini starter if you are going to change it.

I would also suggest not using Bar's leak in the system, nobody has said anything about that yet which I've seen.
I don't think that Bar's leak is a good idea on a turbo engine because it may clog the lines, and something else negative that I don't recall at this moment.

Check out the source if you can find it, there are many options unfortunately, but that is the best case. It may just be a leaky valve cover gasket/loose bolts.

[kikmonster]

Thanks for the advice regarding the Bar's Leak, I will kick that thought out of my head.

I am new at doing my car myself, but I am enjoying the learning process. I am sure the problem with the starter is the oil build up which is not letting the bendix meet the fly wheel.

I have most of the bolts out of the starter except the top bolt connected to the bracket, which as anybody who has ever taken out the original starter is not to fun...but will look for extensions as highly recommended by others on this friendly informative forum.

[John Brennan]

Thanks for the advice regarding the Bar's Leak, I will kick that thought out of my head.

I am new at doing my car myself, but I am enjoying the learning process. I am sure the problem with the starter is the oil build up which is not letting the bendix meet the fly wheel.

I have most of the bolts out of the starter except the top bolt connected to the bracket, which as anybody who has ever taken out the original starter is not to fun...but will look for extensions as highly recommended by others on this friendly informative forum.

Use an extension or two, come from in front of the crossmember-- very easy that way. Be careful not to crossthread the bolt that holds the front part of the starter (along with several other things) to the block on reinstallation. Don't forget to disconnect the battery.

[my8950]

Thanks for the advice regarding the Bar's Leak, I will kick that thought out of my head.

I am new at doing my car myself, but I am enjoying the learning process. I am sure the problem with the starter is the oil build up which is not letting the bendix meet the fly wheel.

I have most of the bolts out of the starter except the top bolt connected to the bracket, which as anybody who has ever taken out the original starter is not to fun...but will look for extensions as highly recommended by others on this friendly informative forum.

Use an extension or two, come from in front of the crossmember-- very easy that way. Be careful not to crossthread the bolt that holds the front part of the starter (along with several other things) to the block on reinstallation. Don't forget to disconnect the battery.

Yep, do this and finger tighten the bolts when re-installing to get them started, then tighten them to specification. You can use a 2' extension and come in from the front/behind radiator.

[Ed Lijewski]

Using a couple of 3/8' extensions and sockets enters those tight spaces from the front easier.

YMMV