Can't start when warm (hot)!

[Rune Boa Nielsen]

I have a big problem with my 1.6 Bravo.

When I have been driving fast for a while (highway), and stops the engine, I'm not able to start it again for the first 15 minutes or so. The car starts perfectly when it's cold (or "luke" warm).

When I try to start it and the engine is really warm, it sounds almost as when the battery is flat. After I wait about 15 minutes or so I can start.

The car is a '96 and has done 80.000km. I bought it at 63.000 km - and had the same problem then. At that time the dealer (under warranty) changed the camshafts, since they where a bit worn down.
Couldn't be the same problem again (since it has only done 16.000km one these)!?

I'm thinking:
- I have read that then engine has 3 starting modes: Cold, Warm and Hot. Perhaps the "hot" startmode isn't working?
- or is it sticky valves?
- or...

Any ideas or experiences are welcome.

Thanks - Rune (Danish)

 

[Rune Boa Nielsen]

Is there really no one who has any suggestions..?

I could really use the help..

 

[Anonymous]

If it was an old car with a carb I would suggest it might be flooding but I have no idea when it comes to this new fangled injection stuff, sorry

 

[Rune Boa Nielsen]

The mechanic found out..

Thanks for trying at least..
I just got back from the mechanic.
The problem was that the startermotor (which is mounted close to the enginebody) was a little rusted on the axle. When it gets heated up from the engine, the axle expands, and because of the rust it cannot turn.
I got a new startermotor - and it seems to have fixed the problem.

 

[Dave]

On the Marea too

I had this problem on a brand new Marea at least the symptoms were the same. The problem was supposedly fixed by replacing the fuel pump which apparently was overheating. Hmmm.

 

[petter]

Have the same problem

do anyone have a solution?

 

[judge judy]

starter motor

had this exact same problem, again the starter motor brushes holding the shaft in place were worn, and when i turned the key it sounded like ther battery was flat.

i got it refurbished for £20 and it fixed the problem right away. Plus £10 for removal and fitting from my mechanic

 

[Tom]

Re: starter motor

It all depends how what symptoms you are describing by the generalisation 'not starting'. I have this arguement with my mum a couple of times a year.

If the 'not starting' means when you turn the key NOTHING happenes, ie the engine doesn't even turn over then its either electrical or starter motor. If your dashboard lights are off as well then its a flat battery.

If when you turn the key you hear a high speed whizzing noise (not sure the best way to describe it) they your starter motor has not engaged and you need a new one.

If when you turn the key and the engine turns over, 'whunk whunk whunk', but won't fire (no 'brummm!') then its either fuel or spark at fault.

If it won't fire like this let the engine turn over for 10-15 seconds and then quickly get out and take a spark plug out. If there is a strong smell of petrol on the end of the plug and maybe some actual liquid petrol as well then its a spark problem.
Easy innit.