starter problems

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

geepeetee - 28 Jul 2006 16:43 GMT

Hi

Our 92 open classic has an intermittent starting problem. A couple of times
in the last couple of days there has been no activity when the ignition is
turned (fans and ignition lights etc are ok).

When the key is turned to 'start' there is no sound at all, the solenoid is
not clicking (although i can hear relays). I shorted the terminals on the
solenoid and it spun (or sounded like it did). After a few starts it did it
again but when i returned a couple of hours later it was ok (i haven't tried
it today yet).

My question: is the solenoid, starter or both suspect or perhaps the
ignition switch?

Is there effective maintenance to be done at the starter/solenoid or is it
time for a new one.

Any advice appreciated

Gary

Signature

Visit my websites at
www.justjents.co.uk
www.recumbent.50megs.com

Reply to this Message

Taffy - 28 Jul 2006 17:39 GMT

Well your Mini will have a pre-ingaged starter and maybe it just needs
stripping down and cleaning?

About a decade or so ago that's exactly what we did on my Mini and it's
been fine ever since. Apart from that what state are the electrics in?
If in doubt replace the dizzy cap, rotor arm (it's electronic
ignition, so no fiddly points to change thankfully!), HT Leads (use
good quality silicone ones) and spark plugs. NGK BPR6ES plugs from
Halfrauds are about the best you can buy and change them every 12,000
miles, then you'll have no worries!

Apart from that it's just the coil that can give trouble if it's
knackered?

Taffy

Reply to this Message

Taffy - 28 Jul 2006 17:46 GMT

Oh yes and check your battery is fully charged, the battery terminals
are connected tightly and it's making a good earth contact too! (I
smear a bit of vaseline on the terminals to stop any rust forming and
it seems to work well).

Also Make sure there's a good earth contact on the engine as well and
the earth lead is attached to the top engine steady bar on the left of
the engine block. Some people add another just to be sure.

But yes your starter can be stripped down and cleaned and should last
years, well my 90' Mainstream Cooper is on the same original
pre-engaged starter and it's gone around the clock too!

Taffy

Reply to this Message

Jim - 28 Jul 2006 17:57 GMT

> Hi
>
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
> Gary

When it does start, does it sound like the starter is turning very slowly ?

Had the same sort of thing last year on the missus 998 and put a couple
of extra earth straps on, one between the body and starter, the other
between the subframe and the alternator. Havn't had a problem since.

If not check the wiring and connectors between the ignition switch and
the starter solenoid.

HTH
Jim

Reply to this Message

geepeetee - 28 Jul 2006 22:44 GMT

Hi

Thanks for replies. Its pretty good generally, when it does start it spins
over fast. Will give the starter an overhaul and check the
tightness/cleanliness of the leads tomorrow. Will let you know how i go on.

thanks again

Gary

Signature

Visit my websites at
www.justjents.co.uk
www.recumbent.50megs.com

>> Hi
>>
[quoted text clipped - 30 lines]
> HTH
> Jim

Reply to this Message