M113K Starter Motor Replacement

[bigasotonuk]

Hi Guys,

My starter on the CLS has always sounded very labored unless the battery was 100% charged, always bothered me a bit but just assumed it was a symptom of the overly power hungry electrical system in these cars.

I was updating the software, clearing codes etc on STAR the other day and as always I had the engine running whilst doing this, and as I was clearing each code which involved switching ignition on/off (starting engine on/off) i noted that the starter was laboring more than normal, but there was now a pronounced squeaking sound and cut out in the starting cycle, turning off ignition and starting again cured it though starter was still laboring, this happened approx 4 - 5 times, and now has done this once in normal use.

Anticipating having to replace the starter I have bought a new starter, planning on replacing it over the Christmas period.

According to WIS it seems a simple enough task and apparently is less than an hour book time to do.

I have had a quick look underneath the car and it appears very obstructed and difficult to access the area, can anyone offer any advice on changing it.

Any assistance/advice appreciated.

 

[robparker]

I just changed the starter on my c55 which involved taking that side exhaust downpipe off, was straight forward, I don't know if yours requires the same for access, but make sure you have some new exhaust bolts ready if it does!

 

[bembo449]

If it gives an hour in the book then it cant be a hard job

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi Rob,
Thanks for the reply, WIS states other than under-tray removal, no other removals required, Looking at the same job for the C55/CLK55 and WIS states to remove the RH Engine mount and entire exhaust system, so you did well at only having to remove the exhaust front pipe.
I think the job is looking more daunting on my CLS being on my back on the driveway, I have access to a pit but its for a hgv lorry so isn't very deep, so is very uncomfortable to work in if you are tall, and even worse if you suffer from a bad back like myself.
I can see myself dosing myself up on anti-inflamateries and Codeine before attempting it.

 

[EmilysDad]

if the job is only rated at an hour, I'd be tempted to get a quote from a local indie rather than mauling around on the ground in the weather

 

[mattkh]

Give me a Austin 1100 any day, lift the bonnet and the starter is staring at you.
If you can see the electrical connections to the starter and solenoid, do they look clean and tidy?
If your back allows it, it might be an idea to tackle that side of things. Sometimes that can improve turning over the engine. The squeak one can live with.

 

[EmilysDad]

Give me a Austin 1100 any day, ....

would you say that after driving the length of the M6/M1 in one?

 

[bigasotonuk]

If it gives an hour in the book then it cant be a hard job

Totally agree as the actual time quoted is 45 minutes, it cant be that difficult, but after looking under the car the starter was just awkward/difficult to get to i am finding it difficult to believe once unbolted/disconnected it can even be removed from its position without any additional removals, hence why I was wondering if there was anything additional that would make the job easier.

 

[daveenty]

Have a word with Ollie Andy, I'm sure he owes you a favour for all the "guided tours" you've helped him run over the years.

 

[bigasotonuk]

if the job is only rated at an hour, I'd be tempted to get a quote from a local indie rather than mauling around on the ground in the weather

Hi
Thanks for the reply, I do agree but its come after major expenditure (upgrades, modifications and maintenance followed by a failing SBC Brake Unit) so I was hoping to do this job myself.

 

[ajlsl600]

would you say that after driving the length of the M6/M1 in one?

Frankly I am given the modern alternatives, I am almost prepared to chance that......certainly as a shopping car.

 

[EmilysDad]

Hi
Thanks for the reply, I do agree but its come after major expenditure (upgrades, modifications and maintenance followed by a failing SBC Brake Unit) so I was hoping to do this job myself.

I know where you're coming from .... I do prefer to do most jobs myself but some times farming the job out is the best bet.

 

[Frontstep]

Under the car is a strange dirty and alien upside-down world without a ramp.

Winter takes it to another place of misery.

 

[bigasotonuk]

Under the car is a strange dirty and alien upside-down world without a ramp.

Winter takes it to another place of misery.

You are so right, the view is just so skewed, then wriggling like a snake on you're back to get into the exact position under the car only to find you need a different length extension or the socket is not the right size
You are so right and though it will be a struggle I don't think it will be any real problem unbolting and disconnecting the starter its actually removing it from under the car as the space is so limited.

 

[mioba]

my dream is to fit a lift or build a pit in my garage.... one day.

 

[Frontstep]

my dream is to fit a lift or build a pit in my garage.... one day.

There is a cheaper alternative

 

[EmilysDad]

There is a cheaper alternative

did you park up in Liverpool?

 

[Frontstep]

did you park up in Liverpool?

Clearly not, the cars still there and the blocks.

Oh and nobodies traumatised and suffering from PTSD or whiplash.

 

[EmilysDad]

Clearly not, the cars still there and the blocks.

....

 

[sonic]

would you say that after driving the length of the M6/M1 in one?

I had a 1972 Austin 1300 bought new tax free in Germany, the most unreliable car I have ever owned.
Drove it from the Austrian border to Dundee in January 73 about 1100 miles, on mud & snow tyres no winter tyres then. Tried to keep in at 85mph on the autobahn, but it was not happy.