Alan -
If you prefer original, then just fix the one you have.
The Lucas starters are very good and reliable, and easily rebuilt at
any decent local automotive electrical repair shop. I'm sure in the
UK you should have a capable shop in most medium to large towns. In
the US... a full rebuild, including rewrapping the armature, can cost
anywhere from $80 to $200. Not too expensive, and since I had my BJ8
starter rebuilt, it hasn't failed me in 70K miles / 15 years. Sure it
turns a little slower than a gear reduction starter, but it works just
fine.
Fitting a gear reduction starter will require some rewiring (it has
its own solenoid) and fitting up can be a pain in the arse depending
on the manufacturer.... do you want to go through this trouble? you
have to answer this question to get the answer to your big question.
Personally I like the original starter ... because the push button
solenoid is so handy & useful. I would switch to an alternator first
before switching to a gear reduction starter.
If you want stronger starting power out of your Lucas starter, I would
simply upgrade your battery to an orbital gel battery (i.e. like the
Optima)... these batteries are built like battleships and don't ever
gas off.... and always have a great deal of cold cranking power.
Cheers,
Alan
'53 BN1 '64 BJ8
On 8/3/05, Alan F Cross <alanx@proaxis.demon.co.uk> wrote:
> Can you guys help me make up my mind?
>
> I've got a BJ8 that is pretty original (still positive earth!), now with
> a dodgy starter motor. It was showing open circuit in the car, but on
> the bench (3 hours later!) it shows anything from 0.1 ohms to 1.5 ohms
> when I turn the shaft by hand. Brushes look OK, so I probably need a bit
> of cleaning up on the commutator. Also the retaining spring on the
> pinion is mangled, and possibly incomplete (so where is the rest of it,
> I ask myself). Could loss of the retaining spring suggest that there is
> more damage than I'm aware of (eg engaged while driving?)?
>
> My first impulse is to stay original and get the motor checked out and
> refurbished. But is this wasting money that would be more wisely spent
> on a new pre-engaged unit. Anyone refurbished and regretted it? Anyone
> put in a modern unit and regretted doing that for any reason?
>
> I like authentic, but also like to get from A to B. I have fitted an
> electronic fuel pump, but am happy because it looks just like the
> original. But these modern starters fool no one!
>
> I'm so on the fence on this, I need a push one way or the other! Help
> please!
> --
> Alan F Cross (BJ8 "Ginny") AHC member TV1729J
> Heathfield Studios - http://www.heathfield-studios.co.uk - web designers for
>the
> Austin Healey Club UK - http://www.austin-healey-club.com
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