Starter motor

[Dud]

I have an 82 Aircooled.

When I turn the ignition nothing happens on my van (apart from a tick from what sounds like a relay under the dash, and a slight tick from the starter motor).

If I turn the headlights on and turn the ignition, the lights dim. From following through the Hayes am I right in thinking that means that power is getting to the solinoid and starter ok, and therefore the problem is definately there?

Now I'm no electrical expert and do not want to spend out £100 on a new starter and solinoid from JK unless I'm sure that is what it is. Are there any other checks I should do? And is it possible to get new solinoids alone?

Many thanks for any advice/ info that may save me taking it to a garage.

[jed the spread]

sounds like a flat battery.when was the last time you used her as they run flat after a few weeks.

jed

[Dud]

Thanks for reply. Definately not a flat battery though as was after a 100 mile drive that the starter stopped working. Voltmeter shows battery was fully charged and its only a few weeks old.

[Andyvandy]

Check the battery connections. They need to be clean and tight otherwise the voltage drop will be so high that the starter motor won't have enogh current to turn.

Another problem can be worn/sticking brushes in the starter motor. The solenoid operates (clicks) but no current gets to the starter motor armature. I've had this on two cars I've had in the past!

Andy

(Electronics Engineer)

[Hacksawbob]

not enough volts at starter- check cables and connectors at batttery and motor.
check signal from ignition key check for 12 volts from the plug that pulls off the back of the solenoid when the key is in first position, otherwise dodgy ignition broken wire etc...

motor worn-check by jumping from fat battery cable onto the solenoid to the little wire going to the starter. starter should whir into life otherwise suspect motor.

If motor whirs under above test, suspect dodgy bush.

not sure how to test sticky solenoid. I'd guess short the main battery lead to the push on conector but dont qoute me!

[Diamond Hell]

Try a 'percussive blast' to the solenoid (hit it with a hammer). If it works after that then it's likely to be a sticky solenoid.

[aarons56]

I had exactly the same sypmtoms \- called the Breakdown service who gave it a bash and it started - they said dust from the clutch gets in and stops the contacts. I took it to my garage who removed the starter motor - the teeth were worn, but more importantly it was broken - actually had a hole in it! Replacement now in - fine, but apperently flywheel may need attention in the more distant future as this is also worn.

regards
David Aarons

[aarons56]

I had exactly the same sypmtoms \- called the Breakdown service who gave it a bash and it started - they said dust from the clutch gets in and stops the contacts. I took it to my garage who removed the starter motor - the teeth were worn, but more importantly it was broken - actually had a hole in it! Replacement now in - fine, but apperently flywheel may need attention in the more distant future as this is also worn.

regards
David Aarons

[aarons56]

I had exactly the same sypmtoms \- called the Breakdown service who gave it a bash and it started - they said dust from the clutch gets in and stops the contacts. I took it to my garage who removed the starter motor - the teeth were worn, but more importantly it was broken - actually had a hole in it! Replacement now in - fine, but apperently flywheel may need attention in the more distant future as this is also worn.

regards
David Aarons

["WEAZLECHIN"]

yeah, give it a whack with a hammer while someone is turning the key (MAKE SURE THE VAN ISNT IN REVERSE THOUGH) !!!! if it turns over then, scrap it, someone will have one in "classifieds" or GSF

[kathyshack]

I had a similar problem just after i had had a gearbox fitted. The garage didn't replace a £1 bush where the starter motor connects to the gearbox. The existing bush had more or less worn right through, thus stopping the van from starting.

[Mocki]

Almost deffo the solenoid, its a known fault, like was said above dust gets in it and stops the connections......

take the starter off and strip it down and clean it, lubricate it and try again.

[Mariner Man]

Could also be a dodgy ignition switch, as is with mine, same symptoms, replaced the starter and solonoid unit, still wouldn,t go. To eliminate dodgy switch take the plug off the back of the ignition switch and with a length of wire, bridge the black and red wire too the red wire, if the motor turns over it is your switch, or it was on mine.