Still having starter problems

[Sir Brixalot]

This is a maddeningly intermittent problem I've had forever. The van will start without a problem then next time just click. Sometimes it will start after a few turns sometimes it will be a day later. I just spent 6 hours in IKEA car park when it wouldn't turn over. AA guy arrives and sometimes it turned, sometimes just click. The earth on the grearbox was sanded down and he checked for voltage drop, it was fine. Checked battery and it was fine. Earthed starter to body with jump lead, no difference.

So far I have

New ignition switch
New battery(recently tested to make sure)
New battery earth strap
New earth strap to gear box
bench tested starter which I used to replace a previous starter that was also intermittently clicking
checked 12v power is coming to starter
New ignition amplifier
Tested starter whilst bypassing automatic inhibitor switch

One thing I did notice is that I don't have an earth in the engine bay. Should I have one? I don't know if automatics are different. Any other ideas would be appreciated I really need to get this one sorted and might finally get my van reliable.

Half term next week so I'm keen to get away to Lyme Regis to take the kids fossil hunting. Third time lucky

[R0B]

Sounds like a sticky starter motor.Give it a tap with a hammer if you have one of the ones with rubber on one side,hard plastic on the other,use the hard plastic side.If using a metal hammer don't use a lot of force as this can damage the internal magnet.Ask me how I know.

[R0B]

Mine worked fine on the bench.But not on the van.This happened again on the high torque starter last week,gave it a few taps and it started no problem it's been fine since.

[Sir Brixalot]

The AA guy was banging the solenoid and starter and loosened the bolts and wiggled the starter in case it was jamming but no joy. I've got a hard rubber mallet and I'll try go tomorrow. I have tried this in the past. The same thing happened to the previous starter. At the moment I only have one earth from the autogearbox Do you know if I should have another earth in the engine bay

[R0B]

I don't think so.But TBH I'm not certain.I can't recall there being one on my motor.

[Sir Brixalot]

Thanks for that. I've seen an IF post where another earth has been fitted straight from the starter just ordered the same cable -I'm going to try that.

[R0B]

I will be suprised if adding an earth strap solves the problem.But I'm standing by to be suprised.

[R0B]

BTW probably a daft question.Whats an IF post.

[Sir Brixalot]

I can't thin' of anything else that would be so sporadic and affect two different starters. I've got a spare battery so I'll try to start it attached. I am also going to swap out the unknown ignition switch for Brickwerks switch.

[R0B]

I had two lazy starters one after the other.So I splashed out on a high torque one from Gowesty.

[sarran1955]

Hello,

Just back from a tour round the ski stations...

OK, first thing, this is an auto box....

So different starter motor.

No bendix spring etc..

No oilite bearing..

To save me typing loads,

Here is a link to some good guys.. with a good overhaul procedure.

Remember.. unless you have a spare gearbox housing handy.. you must not try to run the motor off the vehicle..you WILL destroy it.

After you have fixed the motor, buy a new one, keep the repair as spare,,,

for those happy summer camping days in the South of France...

http://www.aircooledtech.com/solenoid_repair/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cordialement,

[Sir Brixalot]

Thanks for the advice, saved me making a nasty mistake. This problem last occurred very close to you and I spent a night in a layby last August, fired up fine next day and has been no problem until yesterday. I had seen a repair guide and thought I'd have a go but couldn't undo the first screw! I'll bite the bullet and take my old one down to a repair place to get it fixed. The Mrs has scuppered any trip to France this year, she got flights to Italy, in fairness to her we did have quite a lot of problems last year though.

Actually Rob where did you get hi torque starter from. My gearbox repair is calling but I could just do the leak leaving me the option of buying the starter

IF is Itchyfeet

[itchyfeet]

BTW probably a daft question.Whats an IF post.

[R0B]

Ahhh

[Sir Brixalot]

Hey Rob, was your Hi Torque starter where did you buy it how much was it?