Tearing my hair out!

[andrew64]

I have owned a 1977 Dolomite 1500 HL for around three years. I bought it without realising that there was a problem with the engine. I drove it for a few days before realising it was building up pressure and chucking oil out. A mechanic mate of mine diagnosed a blown head gasket so this was replaced but I still had the same problem and it was decided that the block was cracked so I sourced a replacement 1500 engine and this was put in. It ran fine for the first day but next morning when I went to start it, all I got was a click and then nothing at all, as if the battery was dead. So I charged the battery but exactly the same problem; a click on the first turn of the key, then nothing. So, suspecting a naff battery, I put one on that I knew was okay. Same again; one click and then nothing. Has anyone any ideas please as to what might be causing this as I'm just about ready to stick it on fleabay as is and get what I can for it just to get rid. Sorry for being so long winded.

[kambites]

Check the earth strap hasn't fallen off the engine and that the high-current lines to and from the starter solenoid are connected properly.

If everything looks electrically fine with the starter, try taking the plugs out and make sure you can turn the engine over by hand.

Edited by kambites on Thursday 26th February 15:35

[caduceus]

Duf starter motor? Is it the same starter as the original engine had? Have you had the alternator checked?

[CrutyRammers]

I concur with both the above posts. Check the starter and the connections to it. Check that the engine turns over.

[jagracer]

As well as checking all cables are tight and in good condition and checking the solenoid and the starter is bolted on properly you could try lightly tapping the starter with a hammer in case it's jammed in the flywheel or putting it in gear and rocking the car back and forth to see if it frees. Is it the original flywheel you put on the new engine, if not are there the same amount of teeth on the new one? Start with the connections first and go from there

[Tyre Tread]

Most probably a stuck solenoid in starter motor or worn brushes.

Will it push start? If so its a starter motor problem whether wiring or internal.

[pilbeam_mp62]

Hmmm.... brand new engine.... only run once.... now it won't start (read won't even turn over) - Seized ??

Plugs out, put it in gear, see if you can push it.....

[andrew64]

Ok had a look and went round everything with some wire wool and tightened everything up and have now got the power back. It still won't start though so I'm going to replace the starter solenoid. One strange thing; when I switch on the ignition, the interior light comes on! Thanks for the advice.

[kev b]

Before you start ripping it apart try bypassing the solenoid by attaching a jump lead to the earth (neg) battery terminal and the other end to a bare metal part of the engine block. If the engine now turns over then you have a poor earth connection.

If not then connect a lead to the live/red/pos battery post and touch the other end to the large terminal on the starter motor, the engine should try and turn. If it does your starter solenoid is not working. Is it a pre engaged or inertia starter?

Do you have a volt meter handy?

There are some really experienced auto electricians on PH, one will hopefully pitch in before long. The Dolomite is the motoring equivalent of a flint axe so a solution shouldn't be hard to find as long as you are methodical

[Spangles]

Did the same mechanic who diagnosed excess oil pressure as a failed head gasket change the engine?

[jagracer]

Spangles said:

Did the same mechanic who diagnosed excess oil pressure as a failed head gasket change the engine?

I don't think the OP said excess oil pressure, more excess pressure that was causing oil to be chucked out, if it was oil pressure then the first thing to check is the relief valve.
OP, it sounds like you have a really bad earthing problem or a dodgy battery. Not wishing to teach you how to suck eggs but have you got an earth strap from the engine to chassis or directly to the battery? For starters (no pun intended)I would go for first fitting a new battery, if that doesn't work then bypass everything with jump leads. One lead directly to the engine on the earth side, then run a wire straight from the battery to the + side of the coil so the ignition is bypassed. Then the positive jump lead directly to the starter bypassing the solenoid to see if it turns over and starts.
As has been said this car is stone age in terms of electrics so should be easy to diagnose.

[348jeff]

Cant help with the electrics but re the oil problem. I used to have a spitfire years ago (same style of engine) which leaked oil out the sump despite changing the gasket, sealing etc etc.

Turned out it was a blocked breather pipe from the rocker cover. Replacing it with a new pipe put an end to the leaks/excess pressure

The rubber pipe that connects to this vent pipe on the side of the cover

http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-GRID005147

Edited by 348jeff on Sunday 1st March 08:00 as accidentially said crankcase doh!

Edited by 348jeff on Sunday 1st March 08:02

[ARH]

348jeff said:

Cant help with the electrics but re the oil problem. I used to have a spitfire years ago (same style of engine) which leaked oil out the sump despite changing the gasket, sealing etc etc.

Turned out it was a blocked breather pipe from the rocker cover. Replacing it with a new pipe put an end to the leaks/excess pressure

The rubber pipe that connects to this vent pipe on the side of the cover

http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-GRID005147

Edited by 348jeff on Sunday 1st March 08:00 as accidentially said crankcase doh!

Edited by 348jeff on Sunday 1st March 08:02

This was my instant diagnosis to oil problem.

[andrew64]

The first thing I checked was the breather pipe (around two years ago!) before we started ripping everything apart. Whilst tightening everything up, I inadvertently touched the two bolts on the starter solenoid and the engine turned over as if trying to start. I've got a new solenoid ordered hopefully by the weekend so I'll soon see if that's the problem. Thanks for all the useful replies.

[kev b]

Have you tried touching a wire from the positive battery terminal to the small terminal on the solenoid?

[finlo]

andrew64 said:

The first thing I checked was the breather pipe (around two years ago!) before we started ripping everything apart. Whilst tightening everything up, I inadvertently touched the two bolts on the starter solenoid and the engine turned over as if trying to start. I've got a new solenoid ordered hopefully by the weekend so I'll soon see if that's the problem. Thanks for all the useful replies.

I managed to do that on my 1850 dolly whilst changing the exhaust.
Only I did it with a metal strapped watch I still reckon I hold the world reckord time for taking a watch off

[radical78]

take the plugs out then try spinning the starter see if any liquid comes out the plug holes