Solenoid problem?
Discussion
Posted this on the speed six forum but low traffic and no replies so thought i'd repost it here.
Had the Tuscan out in the Scottish sunshine :-) yesterday, but had an issue starting it.
Turned the key to be met with the loud 'click' from the starter motor, but engine didn't fire up. Tried this a few times, rocked the car in gear, still the same. Eventually a few tries later and it fired up! After a spin in the car, put it back in the garage, engine off, tried to start it again and same 'click' as before
Is it a sticking solenoid? Can it be removed/cleaned up fairly simply or is it a sign of needing a replacement starter? Any hints/tips/walkthroughs much appreciated.
Had the Tuscan out in the Scottish sunshine :-) yesterday, but had an issue starting it.
Turned the key to be met with the loud 'click' from the starter motor, but engine didn't fire up. Tried this a few times, rocked the car in gear, still the same. Eventually a few tries later and it fired up! After a spin in the car, put it back in the garage, engine off, tried to start it again and same 'click' as before
Is it a sticking solenoid? Can it be removed/cleaned up fairly simply or is it a sign of needing a replacement starter? Any hints/tips/walkthroughs much appreciated.
As Walford says, starter is from a late 90's BMW 3 series.
However, before going down that route, I'd confirm condition of battery (i.e give it a good overnight charge with a full mont charger) and clean up the engine earth (drivers side engine mount - remove front O/S wheel and earth cable is visible on the chassis/engine mount bolts).
Then I'd have the starter off the car. Main bonnet off, remove both airbox sections, disconnect battery - starter is plainly visible, held by 2 off allen capscrews. On mine the starter shaft and dog gear were covered in carbon/crud. A clean up with some electrical cleaner had the gear sliding easily on the shaft. Replaced the starter, connected up and confirmed it was in rude good health.
Nick
However, before going down that route, I'd confirm condition of battery (i.e give it a good overnight charge with a full mont charger) and clean up the engine earth (drivers side engine mount - remove front O/S wheel and earth cable is visible on the chassis/engine mount bolts).
Then I'd have the starter off the car. Main bonnet off, remove both airbox sections, disconnect battery - starter is plainly visible, held by 2 off allen capscrews. On mine the starter shaft and dog gear were covered in carbon/crud. A clean up with some electrical cleaner had the gear sliding easily on the shaft. Replaced the starter, connected up and confirmed it was in rude good health.
Nick
i have the exact same issue, sometimes it will click but the solenoid doesnt move to engage the starter.
Im going to have to do the same, whipe out and clean up, but otherwise its a starter upgrade to the bigger version rather than replace like for like....
there are a few threads on this...
Im going to have to do the same, whipe out and clean up, but otherwise its a starter upgrade to the bigger version rather than replace like for like....
there are a few threads on this...
should also add the battery is brand new and a larger version than is standard...
thread on starter here...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
thread on starter here...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Basil Brush said:
When my starter gets gunked up it spins without engaging rather than just clicking. Not sure but it sounds to me like it is more than just needing a clean.
Mine was exactly the opposite! Would turn the engine over, but would not 'disengsge' once the engine had fired. I did once have the 'click' on the solenoid - but a rock whilst in gear seemed to sort that.They do have a hard life - hot environment, probably more open to road dirt than a normal car with under trays etc.
All imho!
Nick
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