General starter problem

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General starter problem

Joined
Jan 24, 2004
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New Milton, United Kingdo
Got a wee problem with the starter.... when cold it does turn the engine but sounds like the pinion is not catching all the time (clicks a lot). When the cars warmed up it turns over fine, no problems at all. This morning however there was nowt, not a sound, so I turned the key several times and it did eventually start but with lots of clicks and roughness. It cant be the pinion or flywheel as any other time its fine, so I took the feed wire off, re-crimped it and so far its been OK today.
Am I on the right track here, my thinking is bad connection means the solenoid is throwing pinion out but letting it back now and again? Guess if it does it again I may have to get re-con motor...
 
How's your battery? Just going on you saying it's fine when the engine's warm - much more is expected of your battery when the engine is cold. Ist cold morning = problems, (usually)= battery showing its age. I know this is so obvious, but...
It's not a big job to whip the starter off and try it on a battery with jump leads before splashing out on another motor.
 
battery isnt that old and tested fine. think tommorow I will see what happens, still thinking along a problem with the feed wire from ignition... the previous owner said its had a problem for years and they just kept cleaning up this crimp, maybe it needs replacing as it does look a bit corroded so perhaps when cold its a bit damp?
 
If you suspect the wiring - when it next plays up run a wire st from the battery (make sure it's out of gear 1st though! :p ) if this bypasses the problem then you've narrowed it down to a wiring fault. The ignition sw contacts maybe? If not, the the problem's got to be in the starter - solenoid or worn armature? :(
 
I would def go down the line of Battery or supply as this time of the year will always kills a poor condition battery or show power supply problems. If it happens tomorrow try a jump start without touching anything else which will let you know if that is or isn't the problem.

Also check the battery leads for corrosion.
 
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