I don’t belieeeeve it!
I don’t belieeeeve it!
Author
Discussion

TunnelSoundtrack

Original Poster:

37 posts

204 months

Saturday 3rd March 2012
quotequote all
The Chimaera has been SORN/Garaged for 16 weeks, I have religiously stated it once a week and had one or two shunts up and back down the drive, not one single problem.

Taxed the car yesterday, later in the morning as always started on the button, pulled into the drive and parked it. Tried to start it 3 hours later……..Guess what, everything is fine until I turn the key to the start position……nothing… does not turn over!

Battery ….fully charged.

I have swopped the two relays in the loom by the battery ….just in case.

Alarm and all electrics work.

The 100 amp fuse by the starter is clean and intact.

Turn the key to first position and press fob …fuel pump starts and relays click, dash board warning lights function.

Turn key to second position, pump slows, dash board warning lights dim…nothing happens.

I am new to TVR so can anybody help me on this one.

If it were my old TR6 I would now be taking of the starter motor,or am I missing something that is peculiar to the TVR.

Your help would be appreciated.


TunnelSoundtrack

Conian

8,030 posts

231 months

Saturday 3rd March 2012
quotequote all
battery knackered? attach jump leads n another car n see if its ok or not

Doc Toad

490 posts

180 months

Saturday 3rd March 2012
quotequote all
Think you've sussed it - starter motor or solenoid. Tap with a hammer could free things up?


Conian

8,030 posts

231 months

Sunday 4th March 2012
quotequote all
any news?

taylormj4

1,635 posts

296 months

Sunday 4th March 2012
quotequote all
If lights dimming, I'd agree, stuck solenoid - tap tap needed to verify. Watch it though cos it don't half make you jump when it goes !

TunnelSoundtrack

Original Poster:

37 posts

204 months

Monday 5th March 2012
quotequote all
Sorry for delayed response, thank you all for your feedback.

I ran out of time on Saturday, so just prior to checking for any responses on this forum. I put the car in first gear and with the assistance of my son we rocked the car backwards and forwards, at this point I got called away so checked my PC.

In my haste to get the car back in to the garage, like a twit forgot to start the car before jump starting with the aid of my commuting car.

So although my meter did say the battery had 12volts, I think its highly likely Conian was right, perhaps one or more cells have failed within in the battery, so although at 12v, has no grunt to turn the engine over.

So I now intend to start a new thread for help indentifying the correct replacement battery (brand and amp hour rating) and one that will definitely fit in the box.

Unless you guys have the answer???

TunnelSoundtrack

ChimpanChampagne

9,637 posts

209 months

Tuesday 6th March 2012
quotequote all
A 12 volt car battery has six cells, each producing about 2.1 volts.

So your total battery output voltage should actually be roughly 12.6 volts or more.

If your battery shows 12 volts, it's very flat and will not start the car.

You need to see 12.6 - 12.8 volts.

The battery box is 280mm long x 190mm wide x 230mm high.

The original battery fitted bt TVR was an 072 size, it is essential you choose a battery that has 600 cold cranking amps as a minimum.

Andy JB

1,321 posts

249 months

Tuesday 6th March 2012
quotequote all
I suggest starter motor /solonoid, not an expensive fix & when done shouldn't be a problem again for a while - try to shield heat if possible when fitting - they cook.

FWIW its not good practice starting a car without running it for at least 10 miles if its standing while on SORN. Does more harm than good to the engine, leaves deposits and water/condensation retention issues which would be burnt off when up to operating temperature.

TunnelSoundtrack

Original Poster:

37 posts

204 months

Wednesday 7th March 2012
quotequote all
Thanks for that, as my drive is just under 5 miles long, I go round twice.
I assure you I have reasonable grasp of heat cycles within internal combustion engines and therefore would not purposely put the P&J at risk, also as it comes out of SORN my car will get a service and oil change.

TVR Beaver

2,874 posts

210 months

Wednesday 7th March 2012
quotequote all
TunnelSoundtrack said:
as my drive is just under 5 miles long,
Wow... if your drive is 5 miles long... how big is your house!! yikes

Andy JB

1,321 posts

249 months

Wednesday 7th March 2012
quotequote all
[quote=as it comes out of SORN my car will get a service and oil change.

[/quote]

Similarly the oil change should be completed before the lay up not afterwards. However, i do realise we are talking about an RV8 which are pretty robust & more forgiving than say Speed 6 ...