Ignition circuit

Ignition circuit

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Sandgrounder

Original Poster:

563 posts

144 months

Friday 24th January 2020
quotequote all
I know there are wiring diagrams in the Steve Heath book, but I find them somewhat confusing.

Does anyone know whether the ignition circuit has a fuse or relay?

I am trying to trace an intermittent fault with the starter motor.

Thanks

Sandgrounder

Original Poster:

563 posts

144 months

Saturday 25th January 2020
quotequote all
no alarm on mine. Removed that when I did the dash refurb years ago. Also, no yellow connector, a previous owner must have got rid of that potential issue also.
So no fuse or relay to check then.

I am thinking it is the battery as it is at least 8 years old, but when I took it to Halfords for a check, they told me it was ok.
Just don't want to buy another to find it has same problem.

Sandgrounder

Original Poster:

563 posts

144 months

Saturday 25th January 2020
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I should add that I can rule out the Starter motor, as I have already fitted a replacement!

Sandgrounder

Original Poster:

563 posts

144 months

Saturday 25th January 2020
quotequote all
Thanks for the responses. The fault is starter clicking, with no spin. Did it about 5 times this morning before firing into life on 6th attempt.

Ran the engine for 30 mins while I sorted my bonnet hinges. Stopped for lunch, then went back to car, and it started first time.

When the weather warms up a bit, I'll put it on ramps, so I can get to the starter, and do some voltage testing.


Sandgrounder

Original Poster:

563 posts

144 months

Sunday 2nd February 2020
quotequote all
So there is a relay?
Anyone got a photo where. I looked at steve heath book but couldnt see anything to suggest there was one.

Thanks for the guidance on using thd jump leads. I’ll give that a go when car is on ramps.

Sandgrounder

Original Poster:

563 posts

144 months

Sunday 2nd February 2020
quotequote all
With reference the solenoid heat protection, what would be the symptoms?

The only issue I have had (prior to this intermittent cranking problem!) is after trying to start after a long run, the starter spins very fast without engine firing. Usually pressing accelerator to the floor sorts that??

Sandgrounder

Original Poster:

563 posts

144 months

Saturday 15th February 2020
quotequote all
Thanks Jeremy, yes that is the first thing I am going to try (if it ever stops raining!).

Then I'll check the fuse box area and relays. Hopefully, it will be something simple like a bad connection.

Graham

Sandgrounder

Original Poster:

563 posts

144 months

Sunday 5th April 2020
quotequote all
Finally found time to put my S3 on ramps and see if I can trace the starter problem.
Been suffering with 7 or 8 attempts to start lately as I just wanted to get a few miles on the car.

I tried the jump lead direct from Starter to battery -ve, no joy, just the same click when turning ignition on so can rule out bad earth.
Decided to take starter and battery out to do a bench test, but when I connected everything up, the starter did nothing.
Put battery on charge to make sure full voltage available.
With battery fully charged (13.3 Volts according to multimeter) tried starter again, nothing!

So, pulled my old starter out of the spares bin and connected that up. Solenoid clicking in and out, with no spin - same symptom that made me purchase a reconditioned starter.

So, I now have 2 starters, one (the newer one) totally lifeless, and the other (older one) with a functioning solenoid, but not spinning.

Other than taking both starters to someone who knows about starters to see if they really are knackered, I'm at a loss, but that will clearly have to wait until all this madness is over!!.

Sandgrounder

Original Poster:

563 posts

144 months

Wednesday 8th April 2020
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Well, the good news is that I now know what the problem is. Seems my reconditioned Starter motor is faulty.
Always a gamble when you buy stuff on eBay but on this occasion, it has not payed off.
I should receive my fixed Starter some time next week, but while I am waiting, is it possible that it could have been damaged by the car charging circuit, as it has only lasted a few months before showing signs of fault!
Or have I just fallen foul of shoddy workmanship.

Sandgrounder

Original Poster:

563 posts

144 months

Wednesday 8th April 2020
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Thanks Penelope. Just checking :-)

Sandgrounder

Original Poster:

563 posts

144 months

Thursday 16th April 2020
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Starter Motor is due back from Auto Electrician tomorrow. I hope it comes with an appropriate guarantee!
However, while I have been working my way around the car while it has been parked on ramps on my driveway, having topped up all the fluids etc., I have discovered a slight leak from radiator offside.
I have been considering how best to address my struggling cooling system for a while now, so I guess I know what my next purchase will be!

The joys.

Sandgrounder

Original Poster:

563 posts

144 months

Sunday 17th May 2020
quotequote all
Quick question, had a look inside bellhousing with starter removed. Should it be dry in there!?

If not, does that point to rear crankshaft oil seal?

Thanks

Sandgrounder

Original Poster:

563 posts

144 months

Monday 18th May 2020
quotequote all
Looks and smells more like Engine oil, I think.

Oh well, yet another job on the list when the car finally goes in for a body off refurb!

Cheers Mike