Starting issue (Clio Williams) - Starter won't turn over now

[dom9]

Chaps,

This may not be as 'obvious' as the title suggests... Battery is new (2 months), charged and the indicator is 'green' and I've checked the output from the alternator, which is fine.

Recently the car has been very temperamental when starting. Usually it either starts fine or there is the 'click' of the solenoid and then nothing.

I believe it is fairly common for there to be an earthing issue on the Williams (gearbox earth strap corrosion) and when I have plugged the charger on (or jumped it), it usually starts immediately i.e. it hasn't been on for long enough to give it any charge (it's not a fast charger) but my assumption was that it gave the car a new/ better earth route, hence confirming my earthing issue hypothesis.

However, at the weekend - The Willy wouldn't start, I plugged the charger on (indicator still green and lights etc working and not dimming) and still just had the 'click' of the solenoid. Getting frustrated, I gave the key a good 10+ turns and held it on for a few seconds each time.

Now, the solenoid won't even click - I just get the noise of the fuel pumps.

A new starter has been ordered (at less than £50, I felt it was worth it as it looked old) and the car bump starts and runs fine. However, is there a fuse/ relay that I might have damaged? Or might the solenoid itself died from being 'held' on? I don't think they fuse starters but I thought it worth an ask here before I get a garage to change the starter and try and trace any other faults (and it would be nice not having to bump start the car everywhere in the meantime).

Thanks,

Dom

Edited by dom9 on Monday 10th November 14:20

[S0 What]

So have you checked the earth or not?, a jump lead from the neg terminal on the battery to the engine lifting eye will do it? the charger will not be adding a new improved earth path.
If you have been starting the car with the charger attached and it's not designed as a startcharger you may have blown the fuse in the charger? adding the charger or jump leads will up the available amps and overcome the resistance at the earth lead, if that is there is a rust/resistance issue causing the non turn over or as is the usuall issue the earth strap snaps strands and gets thinner and thinner untill it can no longer carry the current needed to start and the holding the key has finished it off?
Either way you need to check the earth strap if you havn't already.

Edited by S0 What on Monday 10th November 16:51

[dom9]

Earth strap appears to be still there but I can't get completely under the car... had been assuming it was an issue with corrosion at the terminal as I can see it and it looks intact. Will have another look this weekend/ when it's dry.

The charger is fine and the battery is fine, though I had assumed it would Earth through that (charger), which doesn't sound the case.

Maybe it is just that the starter is/ was on it's last legs. I guess we'll find out when I swap it but I just wanted to check there wasn't anything else it might be since the solenoid no longer clicks (eg relay).

[radical78]

1 jump lead from the battery neg to engine block will solve the earth problem then short the starter piece of wire from pos to spade terminal on starter solenoid if starter does not spin its naked

[dom9]

radical78 said:

1 jump lead from the battery neg to engine block will solve the earth problem then short the starter piece of wire from pos to spade terminal on starter solenoid if starter does not spin its naked

Cheers radical... May give that a go when the rain stops!

I bought a whole Rover 25 for £400 (with 9 months MOT) to get me by whilst I wait for all the parts to arrive.

Could do with moving it at lunch though so I'll give this a shot!