Classic Maserati won't start

[belfry]

My 1977 Maserati Merak has started to become a bit reluctant to start. The car has electronic ignition (Luminition) and has always been fine until recently.

Despite showing about 12 volts on the dash I need to use a pair of jump leads and a running car to get it to start. Once there is the extra 'oomph' the car starts easily.

I have changed the battery and this worked fine for the first few times, but when I tried to start yesterday I had this issue again. Once started and run for a while the car will start fine.

It's almost as if the car needs more than 12 volts to get started. The engine turns over easily enough without the extra jump lead input, and I wonder if there is some sort of solenoid that needs 12.5 + volts to kick in?

Anyone has something similar?

[Rozzers]

Ideally the battery should have 12.6 volts.

When you attach the leads, is it to the battery or is the negative going to the chassis/engine?

I’d be cleaning and tightening the earth cables and then get a drop test done on your battery.

[belfry]

Thank you for your reply.
I am attaching the jump leads to the battery terminals.

[Stigproducts]

That's a good suggestion. You can use your jump lead to make a good earth connection quickly and if it magically starts you know it's worth replacing the earth strap. I had a similar problem once and the earth strap looked fine on the outside. When I took it off it became clear the inner part of the braid was corroded and when I tried to bend it, it just broke and most of it turned to dust!

[Huntsman]

Have you checked the car is charging ok?

[FHCNICK]

HT leads breaking down?