starter ever once in awhile will not engage properly ,can hear a scraping noise as if starter is not properly engaged to flywheel teeth ring. what can be done to correct problem on current starter? A new starter is more than $200.00 and a rebuilt one is slightly more than $115.00. anyone had experience in repairing starter?

Hi,
I just had problems with my starter. Took it apart and cleaned all the electrical connections and all the sand and stuff off that has collected in there. It sound like you might have to replace the gear to. My starter was of the older kind where the solenoid was attached to the starter with two screws compared to the newer ones that has three. The older solenods you can open up and clean to, I could not get the newer opened at all. Its all pretty simple and both the starters work like new now. This link might be helpful.


http://www.thisoldtractor.com/gtbender/print/loopframe_electrical_starter_and_solenoid_repair_-bosch-.htm

Good luck!

John

Thanks John,

Excellent pictures, sequence and word instructions.
Steve

If you want to repair your own starter, this is what you need. It is called a starter drive. It has the clutch and pinion gear in one assembly.

When you have the starter out, look at the four spots on the ring gear to make sure the gear is not worn badly. I've never seen a Volvo ring gear worn at all.

Take your starter or the Bosch number from it to the auto parts store where the counter is dirty and beat up, and the stools are worn out. Ask them to look up the correct drive unit. I don't know if Autozone or whatever will want to find parts, and yes if you get a rebuilt, plan for a possible return.


--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

Life is like a roll of toilet paper.
The closer you get to the end the faster it goes.

Disconnect ground cable from batt, then get ready to remove starter . Usually lots of caked-on oil and road dirt to take 5 -10 minutes to clean off around starter mounting bolts and flanges When you have starter out check teeth on starter and on flywheel..You need a good light and soneone to slowly rotate the engine with key off and in Neutral. Could be every so often starter is engaging FW where it has some worn or damaged teeth.

While starter is out check if solenoid is working smooth and snappy everytime. Have motor body held firmly and use a good 12v batt. If necessary disassemble, clean and lightly lube solenoid, or replace it.
With solenoid working well the starter drive should shoot right out (to engage the FW) as the motor spins it rapidly w lots of torque.

Steve

thanks Art I will try and rebuild it myself and replace the starter drive

Double check all your connections and make sure the starter is bolted in snugly.
But it sounds like solenoid problems. You could extract the starter and lube it up a little. Some folks rebuild their starters but I'm not familiar with that process.
If you wind up getting a new or rebuilt one do yourself a favor and have it tested before you leave the store. Ask me how I know.