Chim not cranking - hot start kit already in place

[ClausB]

Hi,

got my Chim out yesterday evening to drive a bit, everything was fine. Wanted to start again after a short break and the Chim didn't crank, also no sound from the starter solenoid. Only a click from the relais (hot start mod). Push-starting worked.

_ Installed a hot start mod (relais for the starter solenoid) in 2012
_ Bypassed the meta alarm in 2012 (only the starter circuit)
_ Battery is fine
_ Did shortcut the 12V+ battery terminal to the starter solenoid wire in the passenger footwell: nothing.
_ Tried to connect the engine block directly to the battery earth terminal: nothing.

What's left to test before ordering a new starter?

_ Put it on a lift and check if the starter solenoid works if I put 12V on it directly?
-> If it works: check 12v and earth wiring
-> If it doesn't work: replace starter

Did I miss something? Is there anything else that could go wrong between the passenger footwell and the starter solenoid?

Thanks for every hint or guess!

Claus

[Plan B]

It looks like you have done all of the right things. Unless (as you mention) there is a broken connection in the relay feed then you will need a new starter. If you do have to replace it I'd strongly recommend you save a lot of money and source it from a Landrover dealer like Paddock and not from the usual TVR channels. Good luck with your final testing!

[citizen smith]

Hi,

Problem, that I used to have with a Griff that I once owned, it always occurred after a spirited drive and re-filling up with fuel. Imagine the embarrassment, full tank of fuel - get in the car, turn the key and nothing!......... Sit and wait for 20 mins, then she would fire up.

Solution, get the car home and take off the d..n starter. Strip down the Starter and Solenoid and give it thorough clean, getting rid of all the carbon and residue deposits (grease where required).

Starter put back on the car, no more problems.

[phazed]

I would remove the earth straps, clean them up and rebolt them before spending money on anything.

[carsy]

citizen smith said:

Hi,

Problem, that I used to have with a Griff that I once owned, it always occurred after a spirited drive and re-filling up with fuel. Imagine the embarrassment, full tank of fuel - get in the car, turn the key and nothing!......... Sit and wait for 20 mins, then she would fire up.

Solution, get the car home and take off the d..n starter. Strip down the Starter and Solenoid and give it thorough clean, getting rid of all the carbon and residue deposits (grease where required).

Starter put back on the car, no more problems.

This ^^^^^ Quite often it is the starter motor that plays up. Doesnt mean its for the bin though, quite often a good clean can resolve it.

[ClausB]

Thanks for your replies!

In the meantime, I push-started the Chim and drove to the car wash intending to leave the engine running. Anyhow at some point I noticed the engine wasn't running anymore even if I am pretty sure I didn't turn it off.
Anyhow - the starter worked again when I tried to start it after the car wash. And started once more since then.

Next step: checking the wiring to the starter.

I think there is one earth cable on the drivers side near the starter that is connected to the chassis (if I remember correctly). Is there another earth cable?

Thanks!

Claus

[phazed]

Engine to chassis, front o/s wheel arch .
Gearbox to chassis adj to gearbox mounts.

[Steve_D]

Nobody has yet mentioned giving the starter a tap with a hammer whilst someone holds the key in the start position. If it then turns over you likely have a 'sticky' solenoid.

Recently had just this on my land rover. Took the starter off and put the replacement on so all good. Tidied up then spotted (on the old starter) that the nut which should secure the cable going from solenoid into the motor was missing...........quite how it randomly managed to start the car beats me.

Steve