Caterham won't start (with video!)

[HustleRussell]

I started a thread in GG here but thought I'd better ask in technical.

Random starting issue. Once push started, the car will start pretty reliably for the rest of the day- but if left overnight, this random starting issue rears its ugly head. Battery is charged and fine according to a battery analyser. Starter motor has been refurbed. video here

[Penelope Stopit]

I haven't bothered watching the video as I visited your GG link and noticed that the information posted there is not posted here
Reading through you GG topic I noticed that you mentioned bubbling electrolyte, if one or more cells electrolyte is bubbling when you are operating the starter motor this means that those cells are faulty and the battery needs replacing
There is no point in going through other possible causes of the problem until you have fitted a known good battery

[HustleRussell]

The electrolyte bubbled when the starter motor guy connected one of these to it;



Never seen one of those used before so had no idea what to expect... all 6 cells were slowly bubbling after less than 10 seconds of the load tester being connected.

I have ordered a new battery this morning but as some people in the other thread were saying having watched the video it is unusual what the starter motor is doing and it does seem like a starter motor fault. I'm sure the battery is past it, I just hope I'm not in for a new starter motor too.

[GreenV8S]

Sounds like you have an inertia reel starter motor and a flat/dead battery.
Inertia reel starters are not common these days and are pretty horrible to use - if you didn't choose it deliberately, you might want to rethink that choice.

[HustleRussell]

It's a conventional pre-engaged starter

[GreenV8S]

HustleRussell said:

It's a conventional pre-engaged starter

That video sounds as if the starter motor is spinning without the engine turning.
If so, and if it's a pre-engaged type starter motor, this suggests it isn't actually engaging correctly. That may be because the motor is positioned incorrectly relative to the flywheel.

[227bhp]

The throw out isn't working, take it off and fit new or get it reconditioned.

[Mignon]

GreenV8S said:

That video sounds as if the starter motor is spinning without the engine turning.
If so, and if it's a pre-engaged type starter motor, this suggests it isn't actually engaging correctly. That may be because the motor is positioned incorrectly relative to the flywheel.

Agreed. You can hear it catch the flywheel a couple of times but mainly it sounds as though it's spinning in fresh air. Could be starter motor teeth, flywheel ring gear teeth, incorrect dimensions or fitting. I'm sure a proper look will find the reason easily enough.

[Penelope Stopit]

HustleRussell said:

The electrolyte bubbled when the starter motor guy connected one of these to it;



Never seen one of those used before so had no idea what to expect... all 6 cells were slowly bubbling after less than 10 seconds of the load tester being connected.

I have ordered a new battery this morning but as some people in the other thread were saying having watched the video it is unusual what the starter motor is doing and it does seem like a starter motor fault. I'm sure the battery is past it, I just hope I'm not in for a new starter motor too.

That battery may well be ok, I would expect 1 or 2 faulty cells to bubble, if all cells were slowly bubbling that is very likely due to the heat generated by the test
You already have plenty of help here but, with a known good battery fitted there should be a minimum of 9.6 Volts at the starter when cranking, the 9.6 Volts should be measured at the positive solenoid stud at the starter and the starter body
Once you have checked the above and all is good, it is very likely to be starter or flywheel problems

[chammyman]

Needs a starter, its not ring gear. The fact it occasionally engaged ruled that out.

Starter out new one in and sorted.

[HustleRussell]

Well you were correct, new battery fitted this morning and not a jot of difference, checked for wiring issues this morning and everything was perfect, starter motor back with the refurbishers now for warranty repair. Seems the ratchet / pawl mechanism in the pinion is not locking the nosegear to the shaft.