Problems starting after brake and clutch work!!!!

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Dan Loveday - 07 Dec 2003 15:37 GMT

I can't start my 1995 Cooper. It's been runing fine recently, but I changed
the brake discs and bled the clutch this weekend and now when I turn the key
the starter motor turns very very slowly. Presumably this means not enough
current is flowing to turn the engine or that the starter motor is faulty.
I'm pretty sure the battery is good (I don't have a meter to hand but the
lights are bright, radio works etc). I've tried changing the starter motor
(made no difference - waste of money that was) and adding an extra earth
connection from the block to the chassis (again no real difference). I'm now
a bit short of ideas - any suggestions - I can't beleive that any of the
work I was doing has caused the problem?

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Chris Morriss - 07 Dec 2003 15:51 GMT

>I can't start my 1995 Cooper. It's been runing fine recently, but I changed
>the brake discs and bled the clutch this weekend and now when I turn the key
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>a bit short of ideas - any suggestions - I can't beleive that any of the
>work I was doing has caused the problem?

I know you've checked the block-to-subframe electrical connection, but
have to done anything that might have removed any connection from the
block (or front subframe) to the battery at the back?

Using the brake pipes as the 0v return isn't a good idea :-)

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Chris Morriss

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Julian Benn - 07 Dec 2003 18:50 GMT

...or as I found out thismorning, using the accelerator cable as the ground
return. The cable had welded together and was VERY STIFF until I managed to
break it free. A new one's needed since I can't be sure if it's
stretched/broken.

THe cause of this was that someone had fitted the earth return onto the top
tie bar bolt. The rubber bushes in the tie bar meant, there was
insufficient bolt tension to make a good contact. Using a meter was no good
since at normal currents, the accelerator cable was OK for a return path.

Julian Benn

julian.benn@tiscali.co.uk

> >I can't start my 1995 Cooper. It's been runing fine recently, but I changed
> >the brake discs and bled the clutch this weekend and now when I turn the key
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> --
> Chris Morriss

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tim_lis - 07 Dec 2003 19:03 GMT

you didnt by chance have the cars radio on whilst you worked on it?? I know
sounds obvoius but hey sometimes its that simple. You may have drained the
battery..or even had the door open so the interior light was on whilst you
worked on it, you'd be amazed at how quickly that drains the battery power.
Might just ned a charge up, and a good way to do that is start the car and
go for a decent drive, or put it on the battery charger overnight. If that
stil dosnt cure the problem get the battery checked, if its the original
battery its now 8 years old so probably well past its use by date.
But before you go spending money get the things tested first. Dont know what
its like in the UK, but most motor supply places will test your battery for
free, and also check the charge coming of the altenator

Tim

> I can't start my 1995 Cooper. It's been runing fine recently, but I changed
> the brake discs and bled the clutch this weekend and now when I turn the key
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> a bit short of ideas - any suggestions - I can't beleive that any of the
> work I was doing has caused the problem?

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