> Have just replaced the starter solenoid on my MK1 Cooper 998. Prior to
> replacing it, I had plenty of juice in the battery (headlights working,
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> Anybody have any ideas???
You were right! Thats what I get for hurrying to finish a job when it was
getting dark......
Now I have twigged that the original problem wasn't the solenoid at all -
seems to be the starter motor. There is an audible click when the solenoid
contacts close, but nothing else. After a few tries, the high tension lead
from the solenoid to the starter was warm, as was the starter motor itself.
I tried cranking the square ended bolt sticking out of the motor a few
times, but it made no difference. (impossible to get at this)
Are there any easy tests I can do? I have no idea whether motors just
seize, or die entirely. Prior to this problem occuring the starter had been
working fine, and after a drive of about 40 mins, when the engine was turned
off, suddenly I couldn't restart the car.
>> Have just replaced the starter solenoid on my MK1 Cooper 998. Prior to
>> replacing it, I had plenty of juice in the battery (headlights working,
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>
> Do I need to explain any further?
Clive W - 31 Mar 2005 18:26 GMT
Try starting the car with the lights switched on. If they dim then the
starter is still taking power from the battery. I had this on my Mini
Clubman. It was a jammed pinion on the starter. Removing and refitting the
starter motor cured the problem.

Signature
Clive
www.minisquad.tk
> You were right! Thats what I get for hurrying to finish a job when it was
> getting dark......
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> been working fine, and after a drive of about 40 mins, when the engine was
> turned off, suddenly I couldn't restart the car.