CLICK !

[WokingWedger]

Advise please.

For a while I have sometimes only recd a click when turning the ignition key.

It gradually got more frequent and now it only goes click from the starter solenoid. No starter turning over, just a loud healthy click from the solenoid.

As the solenoid is operating (and the fuel pump) can I discount the imobiliser as being the fault ?

[zed4]

Yes, might be a few things. For me, replacing the starter motor cured it. It would only occur to me when it had been raining. Once it started it would start up fine each and every time.

[scruggs]

Yep we have the same issue on a 1999 Chim 500. The starter was replaced with a new one a couple of years ago so it shouldn't be that. I am thinking it may be a corroded wire connection.

[WokingWedger]

My engine and gear box have just been out and rebuilt and all put back by a reliable TVR specialist so, I will be disappointed if its a poor connection to the starter, or engine earth etc.

My starter is about 5 years old (a guess with out digging all the receipts out), so could be the starter.

Trying to start it with headlights on (still only getting the click), they don't seem to dim at all. Does this tell me anything(like the battery is good.

I cant get to the battery at the moment (in garage and door wont open far enough), but measuring at the Anderson connector it reads 12.63V

I know I need to get under and check everything and maybe measure the voltage at the starter terminals, but I don't have time until the weekend. I want to prepare so that I can fix it at the weekend, not just diagnose.

Any further thoughts anybody

[plangston]

My one does the same, I turn the key and nothing, so I've got a piece of copper pipe and a hammer, I put the copper pipe on the starter motor and then hit the copper pipe with the hammer, turn the key and away it goes. I'm guessing that I just need to remove the starter motor and clean it.

[WokingWedger]

plangston said:

My one does the same, I turn the key and nothing, so I've got a piece of copper pipe and a hammer, I put the copper pipe on the starter motor and then hit the copper pipe with the hammer, turn the key and away it goes. I'm guessing that I just need to remove the starter motor and clean it.

I have tried tapping the starter motor with a hydraulic jack handle, vertical tap from above. Is this what you do ?

How much of a clout do you give it ?

[plangston]

I will take a picture tonight to show you, I hit it hardish but it is only a piece of 15mm copper water pipe.

[K4TRV]

There may be one of two issues; the solenoid is moving and throws the pinion onto the starter ring, but it does not close the circuit to the starter motor brushes. Or, all of the foregoing but the solenoid is making the circuit to the brushes on the starter, but they are not making contact with the commutator or they are both dirty?

In both instances a blow with a hammer "usually" makes the circuit and it starts.

In both instances they either need cleaning or replacing the complete starter/solenoid complete?

[plangston]

copper 15mm pipe just give it a whack

[WokingWedger]

Thanks all.

I shall give it a whack.

[WokingWedger]

plangston said:

copper 15mm pipe just give it a whack

I had tried whacking it, but not with the method you described.

Yep that worked thanks.

Turned over (didn't actually start the engine because the garage doors were shut), then refused again on the second attempt.

New starter ordered !

Thanks Peter

[WokingWedger]

New starter fitted and all's well !