Starting Problem - Confused and need advice

[jensena]

I have done a previous thread on this (but it died a death) but I've been thinking about what is happening and can't figure out why it is happening.

When I start the car from cold it starts first touch of the button, but if I drive it any distance so the engine is fully warmed up, it will only 'click'. I have to wait until the engine has cooled right down. Most people have said that the cure is to replace the starter motor. However if I start the car and dont blip the accelerator so it it wont fire up straight away, the starter motor will quite happily turn the engine really rapidly until it fires up - so how can the Starter Motor be f**ked??
Does anyone have any ideas why it just clicks when hot? It doesnt make sense to me !

[alinton]

Because, possibly, the fault is heat-related! - I'm not being facetious, its possible you've got a bad connection within the starter such that when cold it works, but when hot something has expanded and the joint has gone bad.

If it clicks then the solenoid is pulling in, in theory applying power to the motor but somewhere between the battery and the motor windings there is a dodgy connection.

It could be in the motor itself (likely) or it could be one of the external connections.

Haul the motor out and have it overhauled!

A.

[jensena]

No, I didn't take it as facetious Alinton , I'm just trying to get my head round why the heat issue causes the problem, because when cold the motor turns over nice and strong. You reckon it's a dodgy connection in the motor itself then? It would be nice to think it can be sorted with a relatively simple cheap overhaul rather than go to the expense of replacing it with a new one.

[alinton]

Yes that would be my guess.

As I'm sure you know an overhaul isn't expensive, I got mine done recently for about 80 quid.

Andy.

[byker28i]

My guess is the solonoid on the starter motor. Usually the solonoid engages, pushing the gear into contact with the flywheel, at the same time making an internal contact to short across the two big connectors on the back, giving power to spin the motor. I'm guessing the contacts internal/external are dirty.

Edit found some pics, but of a Sabb to explain:
www.saabcentral.com/techhelp/c900/900_starter_diagnostics.php

Edited by byker28i on Sunday 6th May 18:07

[alinton]

If the contacts were just dirty, heat is less likely to affect them. But you're right, it could be a connection around that area.

A.

[jensena]

Thanks Guys' - it's starting to make sense to me now.

[ancol]

hi jens defo sounds like bad connection either external or an internal connection whip the starter out and get it reconned if you look on your previous thread i gave info for removal and cost btw if you just want overhaul of it, costs £80 full recon £124 i had a full recon as it is,nt that much extra and it comes with twelve month guarantee mine is perfect now he did a top job but i have been using this guy for years

[optimax sniffer]

Mine also does this from time to time. I have been told that the heat causes high resistence and so the starter won't work, which is why that when the engine back temp has lowered the starter will work again. I guess a overhaul is in order.

[Tangoed]

Mine used to do the same thing, and with the summer coming it can only get worse. I had to bump start mine outside a friends house, I felt really I think it could be the solenoid but i just replaced the unit with a re-con.

[ancol]

where are you jens you not replying to thread have you gone away

[byker28i]

ancol said:

where are you jens you not replying to thread have you gone away

In his garage working out how to get the starter off?

[jensena]

Morning everyone - didn't realise you were missing me so much - and thanks for the help Ancol, I may do what you suggest. But I'm covered by my AA warranty on repairs, but to claim on the warranty I have to call the AA out to a breakdown, and get my car low-loadered and taken to Andy at APM (who I have already contacted and he is fully booked until the end of next week). Sounds good, but I have to wait until Thursday, then drive out somewhere to 'breakdown' and ring the AA up. I's be quite happy to take the Motor out myself if i knew it would be a cheap and quick fix, thats why I was asking for help in diagnosing it cos I want to get it done NOW.

[ancol]

have a go yourself jens look at my info in your last thread it really is not to difficult you appear to be a more than capable guy so you should be ok anyway it will be another string to your bow like i said £124 quid imo is not bad price mine certainly the dogs now probably to far from wilts though for you to use him although optimax has emailed me for his details