Trouble starting

[rinker]

My 98 Chim when cold does not start first time, i need to turn it over for about 10 seconds 3 times before she fires up and its the same when warm, But other times she may start first time, Any ideas what could be wrong?? problem is getting worse. I have put the extra earth from battery to engine.

[monstergrowler]

I had some starting problems a few weeks back. I connect to an optimate that showed the battery was fine. The engine turned over with what I thought was okay and she fired regulalry but wouldnt catch.
I put new plugs in and she fired up straight away. Went for a quick drive. Came home had my tea and she was as flat as a panckae. Bought a new battery ands shes has been fine. The new battery tunred it over so much faster.I hadnt noticed it getting slow.

[rinker]

Thanks Monster,
I tried starting car after a 1 mile drive, started fine first time then after the mile tried starting the car again, turing over slow for a few seconds then turing over fine but would not start, so looking a tt in Safeway car park i thought i would look as though i knew what i was doing so opened bonnet and removed all plug leads and pushed back on tight, She started fine, but when she does not start for about 4 mins and then start there is a string smell of as my misses says (farts)sulpher.

[spend]

Starter motor?

Dave

[rinker]

Hi Spend,
starter motor will start off slow then clear a flat spot then fly around, just wont fire up until about 4 attempts now, i wounder if enough fuel is getting through.

[spend]

Classic signs of starter motor fatigue IMHO.

If it doesn't spin up at a constant speed when battery is fine - it aint in good condition

Dave

[AirconAde]

Could be starter motor as Spend says or could be a poor earth between battery and chassis, or bad connection of main feed from battery to starter.

I had a similar problem and was ready to replace the starter but thought that I would just clean the heavy cable connections and the difference was stunning!!!

Ade

[rinker]

I have put a new earth from battery to engine, still no better

[dlewis]

What do you know about the battery?

Age, condition, ability to deliver amps?

[rinker]

Think Battery is about 3 years old, but surley if she is turning over then battery is doing its job? I put her on charge every night just to top up as not starting drains it

[dlewis]

Matt

Reason I asked is you described the battery as 'starts off slow .......'.

The starter should just spin up on a good battery as Dave says.

Cold mornings could be the reason.

Do an amp test and check voltage over night.

You need three things: battery, starter and alternator assuming car is running properly.