Strange intermitant starting problem

[jamesbilluk]

Hi all

I'm in Le mans Classic at the moment, taken the Griff along, it's been brilliant, lots of traffic jams but no over heating which is great,

I went to do a lap around the track on the Saturday morning, was lined up in the club area, came back to the car and wouldn't start at all, fuel pump primes but the starter didn't run at all, couldn't hear if there was a click, as it was quite noisy around me. Pushed it to the side to have a think, we push started it in the end, but missed the lap which was annoying. Parked it up in the infield parking, and the same problem. It wasn't a hot start as the track time was 8.00 in the morning. Took it back to the house after another push start, tried it this morning and it was fine! Took it to the track and parked it up, came back later, and didn't start again... We're leaving on Monday, so a bit concerned non starting on the ferry and petrol stations. What do people think the problem could be?

James

[Steve_D]

Could be as simple as a sticking solenoid.
Next time it does it get someone to hold the key in the start position whilst you tap the starter with a hammer or heavy bar. A long 1/2" drive socket extension or two will do the job.

Steve

[jamesbilluk]

Hi Steve

Many thanks for that, I'll give that a go if it happens tomorrow

James

[jamesbilluk]

Just an update, the Griff made it all the way back with out any starting problems at all mystery! the two times it happened were at the track.

Just to say as well, if your reading, Many thanks to the two very kind chaps from the TVROC who were most helpful when the car failed to start on the parade lap, and helping with the push start as well to get back to the parking area

James

[jesfirth]

yup - may well be the solenoid. could also be the blade connector onto the starter which means the solenoid will not fire. Your symptoms match exactly mine of last month - a new connection sorted mine. Access is a pig though.

[tivver500]

Take the starter motor off. You can do this with one side of the car jacked up - think it's only two bolts.
Remove the end cover so that you can look at the solenoid armature. If there are any signs of 'pick up' or sticking then clean up with fine emery paper and also clean out the coil section with a suitably sized flapwheel sanding 'disc'.
Good plan is to fit a heatshield blanket around the starter when re-installing it!!

[jamesbilluk]

Many thanks guys Will give that a go

James.

[David Beer]

A test, turn the headlights on for a minute and try to start. If it does not, then it's a voltage drop to the solenoid.

[jamesbilluk]

Many thanks David, It seems to be starting every time now annoyingly! just didn't seem to like Le mans..