1st time it's let me down - any ideas please.

[mach2]

Hi all,
Title says it all really. Used the car on Saturday for a blast and parked it up in the garage once I got home.
Went out to start her up today for a quick run and wouldn't fire up.
Car was left unlocked and without the alarm on in the garage.
Usual start up procedure works, insert the key, disarm the immobiliser, can hear the fuel pump prime and when I turn the key there is a loud click but the engine won't turn over. Tried putting it into 2nd gear and rocking in case the starter motor was stuck.
Have done a forum search for similar problems and seems to be either the starter motor is dead or possibly 100 amp fuse?
Would the fact that it is clicking suggest the fuse is ok?
Reasonably mechanically minded but a bit light on electrical experience!!
Any help appreciated.
Thanks

[seismic22]

No experience with TVR's but sounds like starter solenoid click, the battery might be considerably depleted but not completely flat, i.e not enough power to turn over the starter but enough to prime the pump and attempt but fail to power the starter. If thats not it the starters motor might have failed.

[phazed]

I'd go with flat battery.

cause either lights left on, duff battery or 100 fuse blown so it discharged last time that you were driving it.

if you have no power at the big connection at the back of the alternator and have power at the battery then the 100 amp fuse is blown and the battery will not be charged by the alternator.

[ukdj]

Sounds like starter solenoid issue, jump start from a known good battery should tell if the battery is too flat to supply the current required to start her up.

although it may also be a dodgy earth too, you can use a jump lead to make sure you have a good earth from battery to the engine block/gearbox.

Regards

UKDJ

[EGB]

seismic22 said:

No experience with TVR's but sounds like starter solenoid click, the battery might be considerably depleted but not completely flat, i.e not enough power to turn over the starter but enough to prime the pump and attempt but fail to power the starter. If thats not it the starters motor might have failed.

Click click sounds like my exact experience. After 56k miles got me a new 2.0kw starter motor. Engine has never spun faster on start.

Edited by EGB on Monday 5th May 18:18

[ChilliWhizz]

EGB said:

seismic22 said:

No experience with TVR's but sounds like starter solenoid click, the battery might be considerably depleted but not completely flat, i.e not enough power to turn over the starter but enough to prime the pump and attempt but fail to power the starter. If thats not it the starters motor might have failed.

Click click sounds like my exact experience. After 56k miles got me a new 2.0kw starter motor. Engine has never spun faster on start.

Edited by EGB on Monday 5th May 18:18

This for me too

[phazed]

ChilliWhizz said:

This for me too

Hey Richard, you around tomorrow?

[gwentman]

easy bit first, check the battery

[ChilliWhizz]

phazed said:

ChilliWhizz said:

This for me too

Hey Richard, you around tomorrow?

No Peter

Been housebound for four days with a nasty chest infection, probably a result of hot cold hot wet three days in Norway last week, followed by four flights in one day to get home

Been a miserable weekend, had so much to do but achieved nothing.... Hope you have a great day tomorrow, really had every intention of being there.... Must take a holiday sometime.....

[mach2]

Thanks for all the sound advice gents.
After checking out a few suggestions it seems like its a sticky starter motor.
Got the missus to give me a push and it bump started first time, don't worry she didn't have to push too hard as we live on a bit of a slope and I did let her push me downhill
Got it back into the garage and she fires up every time now but still the search for a new starter begins....
EGB, can I enquire as to where you purchased your 2kw one please?

[EGB]

mach2 said:

Thanks for all the sound advice gents.
After checking out a few suggestions it seems like its a sticky starter motor.
Got the missus to give me a push and it bump started first time, don't worry she didn't have to push too hard as we live on a bit of a slope and I did let her push me downhill
Got it back into the garage and she fires up every time now but still the search for a new starter begins....
EGB, can I enquire as to where you purchased your 2kw one please?

London & Essex Auto Electrics. N Weald. 01992 523660. They advertised a month ago new starter motors for Griffs & Chims. New ones for £104 all in delivered 48 hours. They sell/repair motors & alternators. Also batteries. Check yours could be the solenoid. About £35.

[mach2]

EGB, many thanks. I'll give them a call today.

[WOO5IE]

mach2 said:

Thanks for all the sound advice gents.
After checking out a few suggestions it seems like its a sticky starter motor.
Got the missus to give me a push and it bump started first time, don't worry she didn't have to push too hard as we live on a bit of a slope and I did let her push me downhill
Got it back into the garage and she fires up every time now but still the search for a new starter begins....
EGB, can I enquire as to where you purchased your 2kw one please?

Hi Mach
How old is the battery, if more than 4 years then suspect this first

I had exactly the same symptoms but it turned out to be the battery in the end.

[mach2]

Hi woosie,
Battery was replaced about 6 months ago and is left on trickle when the
car isn't in use. Had fired her up strongly before the event and once I'd
bumped her has spun over fine since.
Someone has suggested that the starter had become stuck due to heat
sink from the exhaust manifold and although hard to prove could have
been the cause as the car was put away "hot" with the fans still running.
Need to give it another decent run and see if the problem comes back.