Starting when warm

[nickd01]

Hi all,

I realise that Chimaeras have a "hot-start" problem but I don't know what it is. So, I had a little problem starting today, is this a common issue?

Car nice and warm, about 80deg or so running fine and started from cold fine. Driving for about 30-40 mins in traffic and pull in. Switched off for about 5 mins, went to restart but completely dead. Fuel pump primed, but didn't start, turn over or anything. Great me thinks! However, leave it a good 5-7 mins and it starts fine. It's done this pattern twice today; second time after a good long run down a motorway etc.

One other question - on the M/Way it was holding 75deg steady. Is this a bit too warm? (Fans always cut in okay at about 88 or so) Most people seem to run about 60 deg on a motorway?

Can anyone help me?

Thanks (I'm off to join the AA!)

Nick

[GreenV8S]

That sounds like a classic 'hot start' starter motor problem. This tends to get worse and worse and eventually it won't start at all. The usual solution is to replace the starter motor and/or fit the Modwise uprated wiring loom and/or fit a heat shield round the starter motor. In the meantime, if this happens again you might find that if you hold the key held in the 'cranking' position for thirty seconds or so it eventually springs into life, failing that pop the bonnet to cool things down and get you going quicker. You can always take the opportunity to check the oil and so on while you're waiting.

Don't put too much trust on the temp gauge readings unless you've checked it for accuracy, they're notoriously inaccurate and often have to be 'tweaked' with a resistor to get a credible reading.

If the gauge is accurate then 75 on the motorway is rather cold for this time of year, it should normally run at around 80-85. Perhaps you have a low temperature stat fitted. 60 is far too low and won't be doing the engine any good.

[nickd01]

Brilliant, many thanks for the reply GreenV8S - really useful.

I'll have a chat to Fernies to see about sorting it out under warranty etc.

[ray_von]

GreenV8S said:

60 is far too low and won't be doing the engine any good.

Just had my stat replaced and mine still is running about 60 on a motorway and it was quite warm today for a change(dont know what stat was fitted but it was by a well respected engine specialist)
read your post again thru leffe goggles gauge never checked but fans kick in just below 90 on gauge

Edited by ray_von on Saturday 3rd June 21:13

[Cider Andy]

Mine's similar. And judging by how the air from the heater still burns my hands I think it might be lying. After five minutes in standing traffic it can hit over 95°C on the gauge.

[brioss]

nickd01 said:

Brilliant, many thanks for the reply GreenV8S - really useful. I'll have a chat to Fernies to see about sorting it out under warranty etc.

I had this issue with myN Chim, and Fernhurst sorted out under warranty, I think they modified the wiring, not done it since it first happened in Feb.

[dadamsv8]

Had this problem last summer and came back to haunt me a couple of weeks ago. Fitted the modwise kit but unusually I know but did not sort the problem now had completely new (Thicker) cable to starter motor installed protected in heat shield sleeve so hope with the combination of both mods will be fine.

I just can't cope with another saga of blasting into the local petrol station and the other punters waiting around to hear the engine noise again only to be left stranded and having to push the car off the forecourt, pop the bonnet and wait to cool.

[Wicker Man]

I tried:

1. New starter motor - no difference

2. Heat shield - made it worse

3. Modwise kit - fixed it

I wish I'd tried 3 first, expecially as this was the cheapest!