Just tried to leave work after a long shift...

...pulled the car from the side car park to the front of the store and switched off the engine to wait for my mate.

Went to start the engine again, and it wouldnt crank.

Luckily after a brief push start it was all good, and seems to start 1st time every time now (checked it 5 times with longish breaks between to let the engine cool).

The car is going in to the garage to have some stuff done tomorrow, so it'll get checked out anyways, just wondered if anyone had any input?

Has it lost any coolant?

David C said:

Has it lost any coolant?

Click to expand...

nope.

ran fine this morning to the garage.

It's only done it once, and seems to be fine in all other aspects - the only thing I suspected as a culprit was that some of the oil which has been leaking from the rocker seal (had it replaced when the head gasket got done last month), might have dribbled onto the contacts for the starter motor...

in any case, woodcocks are checking it out for me as we speak, as well as (hopefully) patching up my new remus stainless b/b and grafting it on

all being well the car should be running right, looking sorted, and sounding badass by the end of the day

Not having much luck in Sei-ville are you Matt, you should have stayed in Cinq-land

Sounds like it could be an earthing problem check all the earth straps are in tack and clean

Could just be the starter motor getting stuck. It does happen. The fact that it would start with a push points towards starter motor or battery to me.

Did it turn over when you tried it or did it just click?

Could be that the battery is low and the short time between starting and then trying to restart didn't give the alternator time to recharge the battery. Worst case scenario could be a dicky alternator I spose.

Tone

allanhelen said:

Not having much luck in Sei-ville are you Matt, you should have stayed in Cinq-land

Sounds like it could be an earthing problem check all the earth straps are in tack and clean

Click to expand...

Lol - tell me about it, she's a beautiful car but my goodness is she a stubborn bitch
Checked out all the earths today with my man Alan at the garage - all secure.
...however:

Tone34 said:

Could just be the starter motor getting stuck. It does happen. The fact that it would start with a push points towards starter motor or battery to me.

Did it turn over when you tried it or did it just click?

Could be that the battery is low and the short time between starting and then trying to restart didn't give the alternator time to recharge the battery. Worst case scenario could be a dicky alternator I spose.

Tone

Click to expand...

It tried to turn over a little bit, but then just clicked.

Been determined that for some bizarre reason the starter motor had just stuck temperarily, and the bump start gave it the kick up the arse it needed.
Gonna keep an eye on the situation and if need be ile get myself down to the scrappers and swop the starter over.


Cheers for everyone's input on this one - gave me a few things to check over pre-garage appointment, but looks like she's all sorted now (apart from the bloody rad fan kicking in too much for my liking - albeit much less than pre-H/G).

Gonna post some new pics of her a little later on

Get the meter out and make sure that the battery reads about 12V without the engine running and about 13.8V when it is. The switch on the HRW and the headlamps and make sure it maintains about 13.8V.

If all checks out, switch the car off, set the meter to current and disconect the positive batery lead. Connect the meter between the battery and the lead and make sure you've not got a small draw.

Its possible that its the battery thats a bit weak, and that final start was enough to flatten it beyond starting the engine.

Cheers

D

Do not try and start the car to measure the current though, you'll pop the meter fuse or kill it if very unlucky

Kristian

kritip said:

Do not try and start the car to measure the current though, you'll pop the meter fuse or kill it if very unlucky

Kristian

Click to expand...

Sorry, I'm making assumptions again.

Cheers

D

huh?

lol

I assumed evryone would know not to try and start the engine with the meter checking for current.

Cheers

D

Most people would, but if one person reads it and thought it would be ok to try measure current when running, and changes their mind after reading my comment, post well served I've seen and heard sillier things

Kristian