Slow Cranking

[Habib]

Guys
anyone heard of this one? When the starter is engaged, the engine turns over very very slowly for a couple or three revs. Then suddenly it starts to turn like normal (faster) and then starts. (same thing when the car is switched off and restarted immediately). I thought it may be the battery, so I changed over for one I had (475amp rather than the original 600amp) It basically does the same. (not enough cranking power??)
I'm working away, so when I get home, I intend to pick a brand newy from TVR (~£60). Hopefully this may do the trick.

Does anyone know whether these are the symtoms of a dying battery or something more sinister!

Also does anyone know what type of battery TVR fit as standard/from dealers and what amps?. The original one that came off was a type72 and the hold-down handles had been cut off it so it could be squeezed into the battery box!

Cheers..Habib (cerbie 98/4.5)

[shpub]

It can be a sticky solenoid causing a bad connection or a bad earth or bad power connection to the motor. Could also be the strater itself but a bad connection/solenoid is probbaly the favourite.

[and]

agree, was a bad earth connection on mine

[Habib]

Thanks Guys, First technical check.....wiggle all wires to the starter motor!!!!

[HarryW]

Habib said:

Thanks Guys, First technical check.....wiggle all wires to the starter motor!!!!

One word of caution, not sure if its the same on a cerb but almost certainly will be. There is a permanent direct feed from the battery on the starter, be careful don't want to draw a couple of hundered amps through your fingers, particulary if you're not mech/elec minded.

harry

[carl_w]

A battery "provides" volts, not amps. The current (amps) is a function of the resistance. For sure, the battery will drive several hundred amps through a low-resistance starter motor. But with an 80k-ohm body, no chance.

As long as you're not touching the HT side, you're only dealing with 12V which is fine. Stick your fingers across the terminals of the battery and it will be OK. Drop a spanner across them -- then you'll have to clean up the mess

[HarryW]

Carl I was thinking of the more likely scenario of touch the starter +ve terminal with fingers whilst brushing the adjacent chassis with other fingers and or a nice metal watch and hey presto instant perm and black fingers. It does happen, being complacent even with 12V can be dangerous.

Harry

[shpub]

HarryW said:

Habib said: Thanks Guys, First technical check.....wiggle all wires to the starter motor!!!! One word of caution, not sure if its the same on a cerb but almost certainly will be. There is a permanent direct feed from the battery on the starter, be careful don't want to draw a couple of hundered amps through your fingers, particulary if you're not mech/elec minded. harry

Don't worry, the Cerbera starter location is on top of the bellhousing and access requires sending a 3 year old child through the transmission tunnel ... Of course this is illegal except for some off shore islands of the coast of Sweden I believe.

To get to the item involves removing the fuel rails etc.

[Habib]

Thanks Guys. I purchased a brand new battery from TVR yesterday and fitted it, but alas the problem is still there AARRGG!
All the wires look sound enough, but I could really do with checking the connections behind the starter motor (solonoid). If that doesnt work, its take the motor off time.
How many things do I have to remove to get to the motor? has anyone done this before on a 4.5? Airboxes, all 8 air ducts and apparently the fuel rails? Any words or warning or advice greatly appreciated?
Cheers....Habib

[kojak69]

Madaboutmotors is asking the same thing. Sorry I cant help.