It won't start, was running perfectly, infact is like new! It's done 30k and serviced more times than you can shake a stick at.

But now for some reason it wont start, wont even try to turn over, just silence on the key turn.

When checking the engine I also noticed mayo under the oil cap, the car hasn't shown any signs of over heating and the water level is fine as is the oil level... Which makes me wonder if the head gasket isn't the issue? Also it's low mileage!

Battery seems to be ok, everything in the car works fine, lights are very bright and the wipers are moving at their normal speed etc.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

Is it quite a small amount of mayo and is it smooth? If so then you are probably o.k HG wise.

As far as it not starting, sounds like a loose connection to the starter motor somewhere. Anywhere from the key barell, fuse box to the starter motor itself.

Check for any obvious signs of broken, melted or seriously degraded wires in these areas.

Also, not sure about the mk1 but check also that any immobiliser system, aftermarket or otherwise, isn't preventing start-up.

Alternatively, the starter may just be totally knackered. No experience myself of these issues, sorry!

drm08 said:

Is it quite a small amount of mayo and is it smooth? If so then you are probably o.k HG wise.

As far as it not starting, sounds like a loose connection to the starter motor somewhere. Anywhere from the key barell, fuse box to the starter motor itself.

Check for any obvious signs of broken, melted or seriously degraded wires in these areas.

Also, not sure about the mk1 but check also that any immobiliser system, aftermarket or otherwise, isn't preventing start-up.

Alternatively, the starter may just be totally knackered. No experience myself of these issues, sorry!

Click to expand...

I was thinking i'd at least hear a relay clicking somewhere if the starter motor was knackered, but there's nada happening other than dash lights up as normal...

As for the mayo, there's a fair bit tbh, but the majority of it's life I think it's been used by an old woman just popping to the post office and back (no more than 5 minute drives at a guess)... She's had it since new and only managed to get 30k on the clocks (since 96) and in the last 1k odd I've done it seems it's fallen apart! lol

Cracking condition all over tho, not a single dents, scratch or mark inside or outside... Thought I was on to a winner!

Under-used engines can be as big a problem or worse as ones that have been thrashed for years. The chances are the engine is suffering from oil not being able to get around the engine during the 5 minute hops and that may be the cause of your mayo. If you aren't getting anything from the starter then i would look at the circuit running to the relay that is supposed to get it going as that circuit may be the issue!

Will be getting a little more thrashed now if I can get the thing running again!

I assume the easiest way to test the starter is by attaching it directly to the battery?