[Zeon]

I think I remember this problem being discussed here but can not find the thread. On my 2nd Smart, a 2008 Passion I got at the end of 2019, there has been an occasional problem where the starter would stay on after the engine was running. I am a mechanic so I know the difference between the secondary air pump and the starter. This was getting worse so I decided to check it out. I see only 2 possible problems. Mechanical or electrical. I thought I would connect a test light to the starter and run the lamp into the driver's area where I could see it. I backed up on my ramps and looked to see what I would need. I noticed how easy the starter was to get at, so I removed it. Took it apart, cleaned and lubricated everything, put it back in and this solved my problem. In fact the starter sounds better overall.

 

[twcom]

Lube continues to be the 451 Smarts Achilles heal. If we could just dip them in oil from time to time... My starter does that every now and again. So I will either do or have the same thing done with my starter. Now to hear you say the starter sounds better I'm really interested. I just installed a new Sila side exhaust muffler, it hums so nice on start up. I posted the other day how if I could just have a better sounding starter..lol. Question.., can the alternator be lube while still on the car?

 

[Zeon]

Lube continues to be the 451 Smarts Achilles heal. If we could just dip them in oil from time to time... My starter does that every now and again. So I will either do or have the same thing done with my starter. Now to hear you say the starter sounds better I'm really interested. I just installed a new Sila side exhaust muffler, it hums so nice on start up. I posted the other day how if I could just have a better sounding starter..lol. Question.., can the alternator be lube while still on the car?

The alternator has sealed bearings, so no there is no way to lube it.

 

[twcom]

So in the alternator case where they become frozen is it that the sealed bearings fail or some other part which may be lubed causes the failure.?

 

[Zeon]

So in the alternator case where they become frozen is it that the sealed bearings fail or some other part which may be lubed causes the failure.?

Normally it would be a bad bearing. The parts are available and they are not hard to change.

 

[Val TR]

I think I remember this problem being discussed here but can not find the thread. On my 2nd Smart, a 2008 Passion I got at the end of 2019, there has been an occasional problem where the starter would stay on after the engine was running. I am a mechanic so I know the difference between the secondary air pump and the starter. This was getting worse so I decided to check it out. I see only 2 possible problems. Mechanical or electrical. I thought I would connect a test light to the starter and run the lamp into the driver's area where I could see it. I backed up on my ramps and looked to see what I would need. I noticed how easy the starter was to get at, so I removed it. Took it apart, cleaned and lubricated everything, put it back in and this solved my problem. In fact the starter sounds better overall.

I also have a 2008 and sometimes it starts right on but other times it takes about 4 seconds, it basically stays spinning, not sure how to explain it better. Did that happened to you?

 

[Zeon]

I also have a 2008 and sometimes it starts right on but other times it takes about 4 seconds, it basically stays spinning, not sure how to explain it better. Did that happened to you?

My engine always started correctly, it was the starter motor that kept going even after the engine had started.

 

[vadsoom]

My engine always started correctly, it was the starter motor that kept going even after the engine had started.

The starter has a solenoid that pushes a gear forward to engage with the flywheel. It’s possible that the solenoid is failing and sticking in the forward position.

When it’s working properly, as soon as the engine starts, the power should be cut from the starter and the solenoid should automatically retract.

 

[Zeon]

The starter has a solenoid that pushes a gear forward to engage with the flywheel. It’s possible that the solenoid is failing and sticking in the forward position.

When it’s working properly, as soon as the engine starts, the power should be cut from the starter and the solenoid should automatically retract.

If the solenoid fails it does not push the gear out. The spring retracts the gear, not electrical power. My starter was rusty and crudy and sticking on the spiral shaft hence staying engaged after the engine started.

 

[vadsoom]

Makes sense