Starter motors

[Jigsaw]

Hi Gang
Can anyone tell me a good way of keeping a starter motor dry when driving through deepish water.
I've just had mine replaced at a cost of $500.00 big ones for my 80 series cruiser and was told I shouldn't be driving through water this deep by the local auto sparky.
I was under the impression that most 4x4s were supposed to be able to handle this as i've only done this sort of water driving twice within a couple of weeks of each other and had to replace the starter motor, and both times it was in fresh water.

 

[4X4]

Hi Gang
Can anyone tell me a good way of keeping a starter motor dry when driving through deepish water.
I've just had mine replaced at a cost of $500.00 big ones for my 80 series cruiser and was told I shouldn't be driving through water this deep by the local auto sparky.
I was under the impression that most 4x4s were supposed to be able to handle this as i've only done this sort of water driving twice within a couple of weeks of each other and had to replace the starter motor, and both times it was in fresh water.

That doesn't seem right. I have been out with heaps of 80 series in deep water crossings and they have never had a problem.

 

[grit]

There are some cheaper after market or swap-in starters that can not handle much water. The OEM stuff is usually backed by a decent guarantee that is tolerant of this type of use.

I was told by an auto electrician a few years back that a recently replaced starter would not be replaced after it failed because I had driven through rivers. I called the manufacturer, they said "We would simply replace the starter" - I went back to the auto electrician and asked him why he replaced my starter with one of lower quality than original and that he should have advised me that it would not operate to the manufacturers specifications. He reluctantly replaced it with a genuine starter at no charge, stating "we will send it back to the supplier, its up to them. If they say 'no way' you will be billed for it." I guess their supplier decided it was not worth losing business over a failed product.

Its another item that gets the silicone spray treatment regularly, paying particular attention to the small drain/breather hole at the bottom (which has some type of felt inside.. to keep out dust I guess).

 

[grit]

Another point worth mentioning here is that a warm starter, just like hot diffs will form a small vacuum when dropped into cold water. Disc brake rotors can warp. Its not a good idea to plough through a water crossing at the end of a long hot drive.

 

[Jigsaw]

Hi Grit
Thanks for the advice mate, I'll check up about thestarter motors and see if I have any luck.
I did spray all electrical items under bonnet the day before going 4x4ing, but in one puddle I did hit it a little hard trying to make a good photo for a mate.As a result there was a loud bang under the bonnet.I put that down to maybe a bit of water splashed into some thing it wasn't sposed to get into.
My fault for being silly.
Thanks again.
Jigsaw.

 

[Pure Yobbo]

Water & Mud always cost a bomb........ But it can be good fun.


Cheers

 

[grit]

Nothing gets the adrenaline pumping like dropping the bonnet below water on a creek / river crossing - especially without a snorkel

 

[mac 1]

Hi Gang
Can anyone tell me a good way of keeping a starter motor dry when driving through deepish water.
I've just had mine replaced at a cost of $500.00 big ones for my 80 series cruiser and was told I shouldn't be driving through water this deep by the local auto sparky.
I was under the impression that most 4x4s were supposed to be able to handle this as i've only done this sort of water driving twice within a couple of weeks of each other and had to replace the starter motor, and both times it was in fresh water.

dismantle starter and rust proof with something like tectrol

cheers mac

 

[Dexter_H]

as we know, most components dont enjoy water ingress full stop, & the best protection is 2 not drive through water in the first place, but thats no fun The starter in my hilux died a little while after a muddie water crossing, i stripped it down and cleaned everything. I took the cheap option and just repacked the bearings in there as they felt ok, I also just replaced the contact points which cost $5. Ten months later its still goin strong. If u have the skills, doin this urself can save u the big $$ starters cost.

 

[Jigsaw]

Thanks everyone for all your help.
Will try a number of things before I head out for a play in the water and mud next time.
This is a great site for info and chatting to some interesting people.
When the going gets tuff, the tuff get going
Jigsaw.

 

[croozza]

How old was the starter?
It may have been on its last legs any way, however, any water that enters the starter motor should just drain out, never use the starter motor when it is under water is the golden rule also, unless it is the only way to get out of the drink, water can slow down the starter and burn the bushes,
BUT..... if it was in muddy water you may have had dirty bushes, clean water will solve the problem (did you see the starter after it was taken out) this goes the same for alternators.

 

[Jigsaw]

Hi Croozza
Yeah mate it was probably the original starter motor and no I didn't see it when it was taken out, but most likely time for a new one any how.
Thanks for info anyway mate never can have too many tips on parts.
Jigsaw