Hi to all. I've inherited an old beat up Dispatch. Not a mechanic but trying to learn.
The starter solenoid makes a nice thunk and the starter spins, very freely (high pitch). To me it's not engaging on the gear in the engine?
I've taken off the starter and confirmed at least out of the engine, the solenoid pulls the starter gear over and it spins well. Refitted and again, no engagement with the engine, very high pitched noise. Any ideas would be great. Pictures attached I think if all goes well..
Dispatch 1998 DW8 Starter gear stripped?
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Re: Dispatch 1998 DW8 Starter gear stripped?
Has it ever started off that starter? Check the crank pulley on the other end to see if it is going round when the engine is cranked. If it is the cambelt is goosed, if it isn't you've either got the wrong starter or the ring gear is broken. You could jam the ring gear then try to turn over the engine from the crank pulley to see if it is slipping.
Richard W
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Re: Dispatch 1998 DW8 Starter gear stripped?
The marks on the flywheel teeth look like the starter pinion is just hitting the edge of the ring rear and unable to engage. This would be due to wrong model of starter for the engine.
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Re: Dispatch 1998 DW8 Starter gear stripped?
Hi. Till a few days back, yep this was the starter going fine. Must admit I'm new to this and the way you've explained it is fantastic, lot of logic there, I'll try the ideas today. CheersRichardW wrote: 01 Feb 2025, 20:57 Has it ever started off that starter? Check the crank pulley on the other end to see if it is going round when the engine is cranked. If it is the cambelt is goosed, if it isn't you've either got the wrong starter or the ring gear is broken. You could jam the ring gear then try to turn over the engine from the crank pulley to see if it is slipping.
Its been replaced before in past before I had it as it's clearly not stock. Could be it engaged enough even if wrong for a while but has worn down. I'll have it apart again today and see how we go. Appreciate you looking and seeing these details, very useful for my novice eyes. Thanks againxantia_v6 wrote: 02 Feb 2025, 02:10 The marks on the flywheel teeth look like the starter pinion is just hitting the edge of the ring rear and unable to engage. This would be due to wrong model of starter for the engine.
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Re: Dispatch 1998 DW8 Starter gear stripped?
It is also possible that the one-way clutch on the starter pinion is slipping. To test this you need to dismantle the starter and pit the armature in a vise and check that the clutch slips in one direction but not in the other (applying as much force as you can with hand tools).
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Re: Dispatch 1998 DW8 Starter gear stripped?
Maybe you could turn the engine a bit so the starter tries to engage in a different part of the ring gear. Put it in a gear and then push the car a bit so the engine turns. Then try starting it again.
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Re: Dispatch 1998 DW8 Starter gear stripped?
Hi all. Back to this finally, some spare time.
1: Shaft appears good, turning crank pulley end (well wiggling it) moves the engine gear.
2: The motor doesn't have much of a kick, others have said this is a dud give away. I've attached a vid of it if all goes well.
Then I've searched online for replacements. Some say 11 teeth, some say 11//13, some say 9//10, it's super confusing. This one has 13 but the question is it right? Any way I can tell what the original should be? Some even say anti clock and others clockwise, for the same spec van??! The engine side gear seems to have 7mm teeth as in picture
Any tips or help would be great but otherwise will be a visit to the mechanic soon
Thanks
1: Shaft appears good, turning crank pulley end (well wiggling it) moves the engine gear.
2: The motor doesn't have much of a kick, others have said this is a dud give away. I've attached a vid of it if all goes well.
Then I've searched online for replacements. Some say 11 teeth, some say 11//13, some say 9//10, it's super confusing. This one has 13 but the question is it right? Any way I can tell what the original should be? Some even say anti clock and others clockwise, for the same spec van??! The engine side gear seems to have 7mm teeth as in picture
Any tips or help would be great but otherwise will be a visit to the mechanic soon

Thanks
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Re: Dispatch 1998 DW8 Starter gear stripped?
I am guessing , the starter looks new, check the locating dowels are in place, without them it will just miss engaging with the ring gear
Thanx to Marc and all the admins & knowledgeable people that make this the best forum on the interweb.




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Re: Dispatch 1998 DW8 Starter gear stripped?
Found the issue, no idea what you call it but this outer nylon gear or housing has stripped or chewed up.
The grainy stuff is the left over plastic! Case closed I think, shall order a new starter. Damn annoying as it's not the first but onwards and upwards
The grainy stuff is the left over plastic! Case closed I think, shall order a new starter. Damn annoying as it's not the first but onwards and upwards

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Re: Dispatch 1998 DW8 Starter gear stripped?
Well done, pour youself a beer
Thanx to Marc and all the admins & knowledgeable people that make this the best forum on the interweb.



