Starter Motor Problem

[rcgreaves]

I've had my Facelift P Reg TVR Chimaera 4.0 for a couple of months now. I love it but for a couple of niggles, one which is damaging my confidence in the car:-

When the engine is hot (mid way on the temp gauge just before the fans cut in), when you try to restart it doesn't always fire up that growling V8. You can hear the fuel pump engage, but nothing from the starter motor. Leave it for 10-15 mins to cool down and it starts perfectly.

A bit of a swine if I happen to stall the car on a hot day, and very embarassing!

I have had the starter motor bench tested, the earth points checked, the cobra alarm/immobiliser checked for interference - no cause can be found to the problem, and the damn thing won't play up whilst it's in the commercial garage - typical!

Before I sport out £120 + fitting for a new one (excellent non-franchised TVR specialist in Crewkerne, Somerset - Rivermead, Tel Sean on 01460 78808), anyone got any bright ideas on what the problem could be?

Thanks
Rich

[jonnyb]

Sounds like heat from the exhaust is causing the solenoid on the startermotor to stick. Try wrapping the startermotor in some heat protective cloth (like the stuff on the bonnet). I think Deamon Tweeks do it.

[burriana500]

Just had mine sorted for this very fault. it is the heat from the engine that knackers them - hence if you leave them a while to cool down they start. Worst time is when you stop for petrol!

Try the heat shield remedy, but if that doesn't work, just fit a new one a save all the embarasment! for some reason, people find it highly amusing when flash cars don't work! Can't think why

[burriana500]

Just had mine sorted for this very fault. it is the heat from the engine that knackers them - hence if you leave them a while to cool down they start. Worst time is when you stop for petrol!

Try the heat shield remedy, but if that doesn't work, just fit a new one a save all the embarasment! for some reason, people find it highly amusing when flash cars don't work! Can't think why

[Big_M]

jonnyb said:

Sounds like heat from the exhaust is causing the solenoid on the startermotor to stick. Try wrapping the startermotor in some heat protective cloth

We have the same problem with our Griffith and were advised NOT to wrap the starter motor but the exhaust with the same stuff that is under the bonnet lid. Apparently it is bad to wrap the starter motor as it will retain the heat.

>> Edited by Big_M on Friday 11th July 17:54

[lateconvert]

I wrapped mine and have had no trouble. The wrap is aluminium reflective so reflects the exhaust heat away in the first place rather than keeping it in.

[shpub]

Big_M said:

jonnyb said: Sounds like heat from the exhaust is causing the solenoid on the startermotor to stick. Try wrapping the startermotor in some heat protective cloth We have the same problem with our Griffith and were advised NOT to wrap the starter motor but the exhaust with the same stuff that is under the bonnet lid. Apparently it is bad to wrap the starter motor as it will retain the heat. >> Edited by Big_M on Friday 11th July 17:54

I think this is a case of mistaken wrapping....

Don't use exhaust wrap as that is designed to keep heat in. The stuff to use is the reflective stuff that reflects heat and keeps things cool. If you wrap the exhaust, there is a risk of the manifolds corroding as they trap moisture. Real issue on mild steel one. Less of a problem with stainless though.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk