Hot starting troubles

[Don]

So last night I took the Chimaera out and about to give it a run. Dropped a mate off at the Rotechnix (a RX7 specialist where he gets his MX5 serviced). Drove back to Sainsburys.

Did the shopping.

Unlocked the car, shoved the key in prior to the immobiliser doing its stuff and turned it.

Not a sausage. Lights on. Fuel pump whirred - but not starter motor activity and certainly no starting!

Ahah. I say to myself - its done this before long time past. I try it again a few times, switching the immobiliser on and off and locking and unlocking the car but no chance...

So I walk home (not far).

I come back an hour or so later. Unlock, key in and turn. Whooooooooomph! Burble burble burble burble.

Flippin' thing.

It did this a couple of times last summer but not since.

Any ideas? The car started perfectly (hot) in the garage after I drove it back from Sainsbury's...

[M@H]

It could be the pre-engager sticking in the starter motor. The way to test this is to put the headlights on when the car is misbehaving and turn the key. If the headlights dim then power is getting to the starter motor and its doubtless the pre-engager, if they don't dim, then its somewhere else.

Just a thought.

Cheers,
Matt.

[Big Al.]

Does sound like a typical Hot Start promblem!

Mine did that twice a year or so ago, changed starter motor no problems since.

[Don]

Thanks chaps. I'll be sure to try the pre-engager test.

Big Al - can you remember what it cost you for new starter motor?

[Big Al.]

Don said:

Thanks chaps. I'll be sure to try the pre-engager test. Big Al - can you remember what it cost you for new starter motor?

I can tell you exactly when I get home, I did'nt fit it Fernies did, so it will be a garage price.

Ed to Add

IIRC it was done under warranty!

>> Edited by Big Al. on Thursday 6th January 09:18

[snorky]

about £150 if the garage fit theirs..you can get them for as low as £50 if you seach on here, someone mentioned where to get them that cheap

[Jem]

a wire modification has also been reported to be helpful on the threads here.

my garage [austech] was less convinced by the wire mod, my starter motor [i think was cleaned and that did the trick for me.

You may wish to call them for advice.

J

[M@H]

I just slopped a load of WD40 around my starter when my pre-engager was sticking on my old chim (removed first of course)... worked a treat.

[smedlen]

I had the exact same problem. Very embarrassing at petrol stations.

A 'specialist' recommended and fitted the heat shield mod but that just doubled the cool down time. I also wasted £130 on a recon starter motor but that made no difference.

I have now fitted the wiring/relay mod from David Beer of ModWise. Very easy to fit, only cost £15 and no problems since. Very highly recommended!

IMO all Chimaeras/Griffiths should have this mod.

[dave_p]

I agree with Smedlen, I fitted the David Beer wiring mod as my car did the hot start thing nearly every time I stopped the engine. Since fiting the mod my car has not had the problem since, thus giving me piece of mind that when I got out in her and stop she will start first time every time! Well worth it IMHO.

There is no need to buy a new or recon starter motor, the mod will fix the problem at a fraction of the cost of replacing the part. Try www.mod-wise.com/ or see David Beer profile on this site.

Cheers
Dave

>> Edited by dave_p on Thursday 6th January 11:54

[Dave 500]

Mine's had the mod wise starter kit done but it still won't start sometimes. I think its time to clean the thing and see if that helps.

[nick275uk]

You say it's easy to fit, but what does the fitting of this mod entail exactly. How long does it take on average.

Also, how does it fix the problem.??

I don't have a hot start problem on my current Chim, but I did on my last one, and I agree that it can be VERY embarassing - some people almost seem to will something to go wrong if you have a stunning car - green eyed monster and all that, although to be fair, in my experience, the majority are almost thankful that you've given them the opportunity to experience the thrill of a TVR - albeit from a safe distance

[smedlen]

Apparantly Range Rovers have a relay in the Starter solenoid circuit. TVR saved about an ounce of weight by leaving it out. This means that the current for the starter solenoid has to make it's way via the immobiliser, ignition switch and associated wire. OK when every thing is new, but border-line after a few years. David Beer says that a lot of cars are struggling to start on 6A when they should have 12A.

The kit is a relay pre wired with suitable terminals. It's fitted in the passenger footwell which takes about five minutes if you just follow the instructions.

Of course this mod will not fix a genuinley tired starter motor or other fault.

The loss of performance due to the extra weight could probably be compensated for by eating one less pie!

[herbie hammer]

Don

Drop a line to Steve T as he was mentioning a fix for this problem at the Surrey Christmas meal - it may save you a few quid!

HH.

[anonymous-user]

I'm having a starter done next week at Leven. About £160 + VAT. These are recon's direct from Bosch.