Starting problem.

[Blimechime]

Afternnon all,

I need a bit of help and advise.

My 94 4.0L chimp has been wintered for a few months and is now ready to come out of hibernation. Whilst it was away I started it every week and on those nicer winter mornings took it for a bit of a blast to blow the cobwebs away, everything was fine!

On the day of release, Nothing! Completely flat battery. Nothing had been left on to drain it. Jump start and she roared back into life. Had the battery checked and in good health. The problem now is after leaving it for a couple of days, whilst away on business, it doesn't want to play! All I get now is a click coming from the right hand side of the engine bay. Starter Motor? (sorry not as mechanic)
Have spoken to a TVR dealership and they have said it could be that the starter motor may have just given up but it might be a power problem.

Has anyone had a similar problem and if so how did you resolve it? What type of starter motor should I try and if I replace the battery can anyone recommend the best one to buy?

HELP.

[shpub]

First thing is that driving the car for a few miles is not going to charge a flat battery. Driving it for a 100 isn't either. It needs to be put on a charger and left to charge for around 24 hours. I suspect that the dealer is right and the battery power is enough to engage the solenoiid but not enough to turn the motor.

New replacement starters are around 300 pnds, so most people recondition them. They are a bit of a special as they are the small hi torque ones: standard Rover units do not fit.

I would recharge the battery correctly and see how you go before spending a lot of money replacing bits that are probably OK.

As for battery specs etc all covered in the Griff/Chimaera bible and the relevant chapter is on my web site www.tvrbooks.co.uk.
Even with everything switched off, the alarm drain can flatten a battery if left for a few months. Use a battery conditioner in future and your car will love you for it.
Steve

[Blimechime]

Steve,

Thanks for that, Will give it a go! It's so frustrating though not being able to just jump in the beast a roar off. Nevermind, it's my first TVR so I'm still learning all the little quirks they have.

Thanks once again.

Duncan

[Darrens]

I`ve just had a similar problem, altough I could rule out the battery as it had never been run flat and the click on the starter motor was intermittent. Was due to solenoid on the starter not making contact.
Replacement starter, now spins her into life.

Regards
Darren

[Blimechime]

Darren,

Also had the solenoid replaced on mine. (gave up on me and lost all power just after I'd driven out of the Dartford tunnel......!!! How lucky??)

Car is being picked up Tuesday morning to be looked at. They're looking at the electrics, Battery, Solenoid ( although relatively new) Ignition switch and leads. I really think that it's a dud starter but it's all included in the price so why not. Just want her back before the weather really turns.

Thanks for your help and the reply.

Cheers

Duncan.