Starter motor -Solenoid via relay

[snarfy]

I've recently experienced the old hot start problem and even with a reconditioned starter motor its not helped. So, based on David Beers observations of putting a relay into the starting circuit to give the solenoid as much current as possible.....where is best to put the relay ? I've bought a 40Amp relay and was considering sticking the thing in the engine bay, sealing in silicon sealant and connecting in parallel with the original cable. Even if the relay fails I will still get the original feed from the ignition. Has anyone any opinion of this ?

>>> Edited by snarfy on Monday 23 August 23:30

[wildeep]

I put mine in the footwell, next to the battery with all the other relays. Cant see a standard relay lasting all that long with the heat under the bonnet. I also ran a new earth cable direct from the battery to the engine block which has improved the cranking speed.

>> Edited by wildeep on Tuesday 24th August 08:40

[Joolzb]

I think I have the same mods as wildeep(relay, engine earth and heat shield). The old knack'd starter now works perfectly everytime. That doesn't help you I know and I won't explain the changes as I'm bound to get it wrong.

[david beer]

Snarfy
you can not just pop a relay on as when you crank, the new relay will "latch" keeping the starter spinning.You would have to remove the original lead to the solenoid, put it onto the relay coil and take the supply from the "main" supply. As others have mentioned, it very easy to do in the footwell, its dry and you will not get covered in muck. I can send a pic, if you wish.

[snarfy]

Oooops. Very good point David . Forgot about that.
If you have a diagram that would be fantastic. I presume the best course is to plumb in a nice big set of cables from the battery to the starter solenoid via the new relay then ?

On another note David, did you have any joy with the delivery company for the mod-wise stuff. I still owe you. I'll email off line if you like. Are you still on the aol email address ?

[starmist]

david beer said:

Snarfy you can not just pop a relay on as when you crank, the new relay will "latch" keeping the starter spinning.You would have to remove the original lead to the solenoid, put it onto the relay coil and take the supply from the "main" supply. As others have mentioned, it very easy to do in the footwell, its dry and you will not get covered in muck. I can send a pic, if you wish.

If you could mail me a diagram I would appreciate it.

The problem I am experiencing is sometimes the starter motor does not work. This is intermittent and not necessarily when the engine if very hot, but I don't think I've noticed it when it's stone cold, so perhaps it is the old hot start problem.

If I try and start the engine, although I don't see the voltmeter drop (so I'm assuming I don't have a stuck starter motor), but if I do it when the fuel pump is still whirring, I can tell the whirring slows, which indicates to me that the solenoid is engaging (drawing current) but is not firing the starter motor.

However, since this is intermittent, I am assuming it may be a dry joint or is it because there is not enough juice going to the starter motor?

Anyone's advice would be very much appreciated.

[david beer]

There has been a thread on "general TVR" with pics and instructions, if you cant find it(on friday), i will send, or try Balistics web-site, well worth a visit any way. The volt meter will drop slightly and the fuel pump will alter as a current is being drawn by the solenoid, just not enough to throw it.

>> Edited by david beer on Monday 28th March 19:26

[spend]

I have heard that a certain reputed TVR deity did exactly this (relay by starter - not in parallel tho) & was pleased with the results. There are sealed relays available, you have the original switch wire & battery positive at the starter, you just need an earth and a new link to the solenoid. Since certain people complain about the quality / length of cable runs - this seems as valid as 'brighter light' type kits. If relay fails you can always just put the original solenoid wire back to the starter to get home.

Dave

[starmist]

Thanks for your help, guys. I'll have a look for the other thread.

[Ballistic Banana]

starmist said:

Thanks for your help, guys. I'll have a look for the other thread.

Its here Andrew http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=163993&f=13&h=0

BB

[starmist]

Brilliant. It's a long thread, so I'll pick through it when I'm fresh. Sounds like I've got classic symptons, though, so this should solve it!