Technical Marea start problem

[rebelbuttmunch99]

Hi

Ive a Fiat Marea Weekend, 1998, 1.6 Petrol. Grey/dirty

Anyway, It was driving as good as a 1998 car can be expected and this evening the thing just wouldnt start. Ive never had this problem before.

The fuel was quite low and I thought that was it so I put some more petrol in but that didnt fix it.

The starter motor turns over fine, and sometimes the car sounds like its just about to start, it seems like the engine turns over once and then thats it. From then on its just the starter motor turning. If I wait awhile I get the starter motor turning and one engine turn, if I persist I just get the starter motor. There are no warning lights appearing on the dash.

Ive 2 theories so far
1. Immobiliser is kicking in for some reason
2. I let the fuel get so low that some dirt is in there now blocking something.


Help!

Stephen,

 

[Davren]

Hi Stephen, welcome to the FF.

If the engine turns over briefly but the starter motor continues to turn without the engine turning. It would suggest worn or missing teeth on the starter motor pinnion or flywheel ring gear. Could also be a roller clutch in the pinnion worn.

Dave

 

[rebelbuttmunch99]

Hi Stephen, welcome to the FF.

If the engine turns over briefly but the starter motor continues to turn without the engine turning. It would suggest worn or missing teeth on the starter motor pinnion or flywheel ring gear. Could also be a roller clutch in the pinnion worn.

Dave

Ouch, both sound worse than what I was hoping the problem would be. Might need a new starter motor then? Would this type of thing be a problem that 'just starts happening' or would it be progressively harder to start the car. Thanks for the welcome note

 

[Davren]

If teeth are missing, the problem could suddenly occur. If they are worn it could get progressively worse for a short while. It depends where the flywheel is in relation to the starter motor pinnion each time you attempt to start the car.

These are very unusual faults to have with any modern car. Are you sure you've described the symptoms accurately?

You could also check to see that the starter motor is securely attached to the engine/gearbox. If it was loose it could give similar symptoms.

Dave.

 

[johnson550]

The impression I am getting from his description is it is trying to fire up then its just the starter turning the engine over. After saying that I dont have any solutions to your problem.

 

[rebelbuttmunch99]

Thanks for all the advice!

I thought Id get back and tell everyone what happened.

So... I tried to start the car so often that eventually the battery ran out of steam. A mechanic came up and jump started it, its been running fine since.
Im sticking to the theory that it was dirt in the fuel line caused by running out of fuel, although it does sound a bit like a car with a dry sore throat when starting so perhaps I'll keep an eye on that!


Thanks again!