Bongo Fury

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Earlier on today, it would start after a couple of attempts, but now not at all
I've removed the starter, and checked the contacts, and plunger, but not too sure if that is what the problem is.

Heres a photo of contacts etc before giving them a wee clean up, which has'nt worked this time.




Thanks to the U-tube vid on removing starter.


Cheers.

Last time I dealt with a starter motor (30+ years ago) you could test it by putting 12v across it on the bench and seeing what happened. Are you saying you've tried that and it makes the same clicking noise on the bench?

Do you need to get new contacts as originally suggested by moonshine and successfully done on several Bongos?

Not tried it on the bench, I just striped it, and had a look as I was told that you might notice part of the horse shoe shape contact missing, but I don't think theres a part missing. I'm hoping someone will tell me that contacts look worn.

I have contacts and plunger on order just incase.

Cheers.

Good luck - keep us posted. You need it back on road ASAP with all that lot to transport

Job done!!

I did get it to work yesterday, by using a 30mm socket over the top of the plunger and tapping it hard with a hammer, I did this because the copper ring was bending up the way ( just a touch) and by tapping it back down it made a better contact....I think

The new contacts and plunger arrived today (special delivery) and were fitted. The parts were sourced from AUTO ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES (SOUTHAMPTON) LTD, tel 02380211988
they were very helpfull and knew straight away what I was after. Total cost was £24.68 next day delivery, which it was ( unusual for the Highlands)

One thing I would say though, is not to use the split ring washer on the input contact, as theres not enough thread for all the fittings. There were not split ring washers with the old contacts anyway.

Does anyone know if the old contact would of came with the recess in the horse shoe shaped part to accept the plunger, as the news ones are level?

Also am I havering when I am saying that it is starting quicker than before?

Excellent brora. Job done - we hope

It'll probably spin over faster Donald - therefore start faster.

mikeonb4c wrote:Excellent brora. Job done - we hope

dandywarhol wrote:It'll probably spin over faster Donald - therefore start faster.

brorabongo wrote:Does anyone know if the old contact would of came with the recess in the horse shoe shaped part to accept the plunger, as the news ones are level?

The recess is simply wear, and is probably the reason you were having starting problems. The plunger was not making firm enough contact due to the worn recesses. Now that it is striking the contacts sooner in its travel, you are getting a good connection.

split ring washer - i'm so glad you have said this
afraid as i am not the best with mechanical stuff - i omiited these as well as they seem pointless

your contacts looked the exact same as mine - not bad i suppose after 13 years

i swapped them as well and so far have 100% first time start up - as you say the auto factor at southampton knew their stuff and were very prompt

karen wrote:split ring washer - i'm so glad you have said this
afraid as i am not the best with mechanical stuff - i omiited these as well as they seem pointless

your contacts looked the exact same as mine - not bad i suppose after 13 years

i swapped them as well and so far have 100% first time start up - as you say the auto factor at southampton knew their stuff and were very prompt

B***ly split ring washer!! I only found that one out when I went to refit the starter with it on, I then thought it would be a good idea to remove the washer in situ... Half hour later after hunting for the rest of washers/nuts etc on the engine cover, I had to removed starter again to re-do connection without the split ring. Still do not know where the new nut went too. I ended up using old nut again, same thread thank goodness, just a different size spanner needed.