Starter Problems Battery/Starter Motor?

[TVR Jim]

My Chime is having a real bad time at the moment.

I've had her hooked up to a trickle charger evey night as I have no power in the garage I have to run an extension lead accross the front garden; so I have to be in.

When I go to start her;

Fuel pump fires no probs.

When I then turn the key again I can hear the starter motor try and turn over but it sounds real weak and sluggish.

I hold it in there for bit and can hear some clicks coming from around the battery area?

It struggle and struggles and then I get a faint burning smell again from the battery area?

I've checked the battery and it seems to give a read out of between 12-14v?

What's the best process?

Replace the battery (probably original) or save up and change the starter and battery to be done with it?

Had anyone else had similar?

Having to push my pride and joy from the garage to the front of my house is just about as low as it gets

TVR Jim

[bsdnazz]

TVR Jim said:

I've checked the battery and it seems to give a read out of between 12-14v?
TVR Jim

Do you know how many volts there are across the battery when trying to start the Chim? The voltage across my battery drops to about 9v when I start it.

[J400GED]

My first guess would be that the starter is biffed and a new battery will make no difference - the starter is drawing stackloads of current and trying to melt the cable from the battery, you could check the volts as bsdnazz says, but it will probably just upset you when it drops to 4v or less..

Get it checked before splashing the cash, but my money is on the starter

Ged

P.S. Let us know how you get on

[TVR Jim]

Thanks guys..

I'll get testing this weekend!

I had it in my mind that it would be the motor so have mentally prepared to fork out for one!

Would you recommend the newer type one?

When I get it done I'll have it heat wrapped and the hot start relay fitted so hopefully that will be it!

TVR Jim

[carsy]

Have a read and note Chimpafrolics findings.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[TVR Jim]

Thanks Carsy!

Looks like I've found my starter motor!

TVR Jim

[drlloyd]

Have you tried putting a jump lead from the negative side of the battery to the engine block? If the starter motor then turns over properly you have a poor earth between the battery and the engine block. This is very common on these cars.

[spend]

Check the battery terminals are clean & tight as well.