Sera Starting Problem

[JMKW]

Hi,

Anyone know what causes a problem with starting a Sera? At times the starter just clicks...new starter motor fitted recently. An ignition switch has been fitted to dash. On going problem for quite a time. Do these cars have a starter clutch? Had this problem with a Honda S 800.

Many thanks.

John

[Deon47]

Hi John,

When does this happen when engine is hot or cold ?

[JMKW]

Hi Deon,

As I haven't bought the car yet can't give detailed description of when this occurs.

Trying to determine if it is a common problem or simple fix.

As new starter has been added could be weak Battery.

Many thanks for your interest.

John

[Scuzzy]

By "new" do you mean brand new or just a replacement?

I had a problem where you hear an audble clunk noise where the starter motor gear doesn't mesh with the ring gear on the flex plate (in my case automatic) caused by a bad starter idle clutch assembly. This problem got progressivly worse over time, I rebuild the starter and I put on a new starter solenoid but the problem returned, till I grabed the clutch assembly with the gear from another starter motor and swapped it out (not sure if it was the idle clutch itself or the wear patterns on the driving gear).

I assume something was worn/bound tight that the gear woudn't smoothly mate with the ring gear after its previous start attempt and cause the next one to be problematic, if I turned the kew a few times it would eventualy loosen itself, but once replaced it was smooth as silk.

Circled is the part I replaced

[JMKW]

Hi Scuzzy, Thanks for feedback. Don' t know if it was new or replacement part as I haven't asked the seller.Many thanks for pic, now know what to exactly look for.John