3200 starter motor replacement

Vince Hart

Junior Member
Messages
36
Evening, I’ve just replace the starter motor on my 3200, All seems well, brought her up to temperature a run for 20 minutes. As I was putting everything away I realised underneath some clothes that the engine protection plate that goes between the starter motor and the block was still in a box. Obviously will have it all back out ,but can anybody tell me if I will damage the engine if I run the car without the plate in the short term.
 

MaserMike

Member
Messages
329
Evening Vince. The plate is most likely a heat dispersion / barrier plate...
If it’s a similar layout to the Testarossa where the starter motor is on top of the block near the exhausts aka BBQ with the grills, it eventually will get roasted. You should be ok short term, but happy to be corrected by the 3200 experts on the forum
 

davy83

Member
Messages
2,809
Not sure if this is helpful but I am pretty sure my car has never had a cover between the starter and the block. Because its above the intake its nowhere near the exhaust so it s not a heat shield. The starter does get pretty hot, but its just being on top of the engine and not really in a place where this is much air circulation and heat shields won't really help.
I reckon its probably not needed. As long as you put the heavy ground straps on the mounting bolts that run back down to the body you should be ok. It will be interesting to see what other owners think!!!
 

Lozzer

Member
Messages
2,280
As far as I remember it's a shield that stops debris going under the starter and falling down the rear of the engine between the block and flywheel, the plate has a 90deg bend on the bottom where it sits on the v of the block. The Starter will be sitting closer to the flywheel slightly as well, most likely it will be OK unless you are really really unlucky.
 

davy83

Member
Messages
2,809
As far as I remember it's a shield that stops debris going under the starter and falling down the rear of the engine between the block and flywheel, the plate has a 90deg bend on the bottom where it sits on the v of the block. The Starter will be sitting closer to the flywheel slightly as well, most likely it will be OK unless you are really really unlucky.
Ah yes there is a little plate to cover up the hole. Forgot about that and yes to stop bits going in there.
 

alfatwo

Member
Messages
5,517
Just chuck it on It'll be fine.. like Davy says make sure you have a good earth/ground...
While your at it, when you refit the inlet manifold use new slightly oversize RTV beading, If you get even a tiny air leak it'll never run right!

Dave