General Uno Starting Problem

[unostar]

In cold weather or when not used for a few days the starter is very sluggish. If I try the starter again it revives slightly to the point where the engine will fire into life. Within a couple of miles I can stop then restart the engine as the starter flies round. I suspected the battery but put on a good one to no avail. The car runs well apart from a slight pinking under hard load and starts easily when warm. Could this be an earthing problem and if so where should I start looking? The car is a 1989 45S 999cc carb model.

regards Unostar

 

[alexGS]

It could be the earth cable, which is attached to the gearbox and to a mounting under the battery tray. Unbolt it and wire-brush its fitting. Generally if you have earthing problems there will be flickering lights as you try to start.

But I think it is quite likely to be worn/sticking starter motor brushes. They behave properly when the engine is warm because the heat from the engine (conducted to the starter motor) unsticks the brushes enough to make contact (I have had that happen before). I think it's worth taking the starter motor off and taking it apart for a look-see. You can usually find substitute brushes that can be filed down to fit, or if you are lucky perhaps the original brushes are still available through your FIAT specialist.

-Alex

 

[unostar]

Thanks for the info Alex. I removed the earth last night and cleaned it up but it made no difference. I will remove the starter tomorrow and have a look see. I love this car to bits: simple, cheap, reliable 50+mpg and passed all 7 MOTs I have had. Turned 95k miles this morning.

regards Unostar

 

[unostar]

Stripped starter motor today and brushes seemed fine. I lubricated the spline as it was dry but not stiff. I shall have to wait until tomorrow to see if starter turns over as it should. The pipe from the rocker cover to the air box has cracks in it and there was oil in the air box. Where can I get one of these and an o ring for the distributor as my FIAT dealer has no part nos as his system only goes to 1990!!!

regards Unostar

 

[Ucof]

Breather pipe: http://shop4parts.co.uk/?name=store&op=Details&ProdID=939&sku=2975

Don't forget to take the sexy little spirograph filter out of your existing breather pipe. I'm not sure if the new one will have one in it.

O ring: http://www.eurocarcare.net/gaskets-seals/14463980.html
(I'd buy two)


Don't forget to add me to your christmas card list.

 

[unostar]

Thanks Ucof for parts info. Went to Derby today and got my O rings and will order the pipe this week.

Good news!!! When I stripped the starter all looked well except that one of the plastic brush holders was broken in half. Using super glue proved to be no good as the spring force broke it open again. I used a very thin cable tie wrap and when I started it today it was as good as new. The engine fired even before the starter had time to turn!!!!

Thanks again Alex for the starter info and Ucof for the parts info.

 

[alexGS]

Great to hear you found it. This is one of those times when it always helps to have spare parts... make one good starter motor out of two, etc.

Cheers,
-Alex