Starter motor question

[jmorgan]

Ho hum, starter motor has decided not to play now so a quick question. I have less than a volt drop on the battery when I turn the key (0.9v to be exact). There is a click from the solenoid and nothing more. Question is, seems like the solenoid activating but not making contact for the battery? Or is that too easy?

[MR2dave]

are you sure it's not just a flat battery? The battery might have enough to work the solenoid, but not enough for the motor?

[rev-erend]

I'd put my money on a flat battery too....

Try a jump start from another car .. if it works ok
then its the battery.

Here are some rough battery voltages..

Voltage across battery - 12.2 ~ 12.5 volts (depends when you turned it off) (with engine stopped).

Voltage across battery - 13.5 ~ 14.4 with engine running...

< 12 volts really starts to suggest a dying battery ..
it's only a guide though as batterys are a little world of their own..

[19560]

I'd go with the two answers above. Check the alternator as well in case that has made the battery flat.

[jmorgan]

Cheers. Should have said, battery full and I tried it with a jump start setting on the charger. Showing 12.6 all off. Ah well, time to find out......I am guessing the solenoid is operating but not the contacts to wiz the motor. Hope its simple like a bad connection.

[jmorgan]

Not my month. Had by a dirty connector, couldn't get to it til up on the stand wheel off etc. Terminals cleaned and all ok, now where did I put that pointy hat wth the big D on......

[19560]

Glad that you've sorted it now.

[jmorgan]

Cheers.
2 days of happy burning of unleaded and showing a Mini with a big bore exhaust how to be loud (if that Mini driver is looking in, it did sound good)

I now know of another symptom to listen out for. I think it also contributed to my non starting problem upon reflection. I had around 50 ohms to the earth post on the solenoid but 0 ohms to the cable. That was enough to not pass the currant required. Didn't realise that its that sensetive? Bloody pain getting at it through the wheel arch though.

[rev-erend]

Glad it's sorted .. you must be a happy man !

I sorted my 'dim' headlight out a few weeks ago by
re-wiring it (bad cable joints).. and I was so proud
seeing them both lights bright and menacing at the Surrey Xmas do at the weekend...