Screwed solenoid?
Discussion
Just tried to start the Chim after 6 days of non-use; ignition lights looked fine, but just a clunk then silence when I engaged the starter. Tried again and got a loud hammering noise like the solenoid rattling back and forth. The ignition lights flashed in time with the hammering. This noise occurs every time I try to engage the starter.
What do you reckon guys? Just a low battery? I'll whip it out when I get a chance and check the charge. But the headlamps go on brightly as normal, and it has only been parked for 6 days. No radio/ lights left on or anything, so if the battery is draining in a week I'll be really p***ed off....
Starter motor jammed on? But then the solenoid wouldn't rattle (if it is the solenoid rattling that is), and I guess the engine would fire with a nasty noise. Can't hear the starter motor spinning at all, so possibly not engaging at all for some reason? But it would be hard to hear the motor over the hammering noise.
I seem to remember an old BMW 325 I had making a similar rattle when the battery was too low....?
All ideas gratefully received......
Murd
What do you reckon guys? Just a low battery? I'll whip it out when I get a chance and check the charge. But the headlamps go on brightly as normal, and it has only been parked for 6 days. No radio/ lights left on or anything, so if the battery is draining in a week I'll be really p***ed off....
Starter motor jammed on? But then the solenoid wouldn't rattle (if it is the solenoid rattling that is), and I guess the engine would fire with a nasty noise. Can't hear the starter motor spinning at all, so possibly not engaging at all for some reason? But it would be hard to hear the motor over the hammering noise.
I seem to remember an old BMW 325 I had making a similar rattle when the battery was too low....?
All ideas gratefully received......
Murd
The first sign of battery trouble in my Griffs has been a lower-pitched noise from the fuel pump when you turn the key to the second position. High-pitched is good; lower-pitched means 'Oh shit please start'. Eventually I got an Airflow battery conditioner, so no more weekly prayers. Wonderful gadgets.
I suppose the first thing to try is stick your battery on charge and see if it fixes the problem.
>> Edited by simpo one on Saturday 20th July 22:56
I suppose the first thing to try is stick your battery on charge and see if it fixes the problem.
>> Edited by simpo one on Saturday 20th July 22:56
sadly am in communal underground parking with no local power supply! Otherwise a conditioner would be my first purchase. Still not convinced the battery is low though.
Had a quick look at the battery box - interestingly doesn't look like the Steve Heath descrption of the Chim arrangement - the relay panel is set well back from the battery box which doesn't seem to have any retaining bolts. The only ones I can see are two on the underside of the floorpan which I think is described for the Griff in the bible. Confused. They look well sealed in too, as you might expect for something out in the elements. Off out so I'll have to sort this later........
Had a quick look at the battery box - interestingly doesn't look like the Steve Heath descrption of the Chim arrangement - the relay panel is set well back from the battery box which doesn't seem to have any retaining bolts. The only ones I can see are two on the underside of the floorpan which I think is described for the Griff in the bible. Confused. They look well sealed in too, as you might expect for something out in the elements. Off out so I'll have to sort this later........
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