Club 80-90 Forums

My petrol wc 4 sp has always started and run very well. However the other day it failed to turn over when I tried to start it. The battery was fully charged and I heard various relays clicking in the dashboard, but the engine did not turn over. I called the AA, but then about 10 minutes later I tried again and the motor started with no problems. It ha since started fine on the couple of times I have tried it since then. I have had issues with my leisure battery failing to charge recrnrly, don't know if this is connected? Help.

Crawl underneath and check all connections on starter. Also the earth braid (hard to see) between solenoid and starter body can corrode giving "will start" "won't start" scenarios if its only got a few strands left. Finally. carbon brushes in starter may only be making contact 'some' of the time but that would ge an overhaul job.

Check obvious stuff like battery connections.

I would clean all the starter connections till they shine...

As Kev says, clean connections are important. I recently put up a WIKI article about the deterioration that can occur on starter/alternator cable:

https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/VW ... ain_cables" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

My old starter used to have certain points inside where the connection between brushes and commutator were poor leading to the occasional random non-start. Starter will generally work great until the bushes wear right down and then it gets temperamental from then on. The other culprit is poor connections or a damaged earth braid on starter. A completely non-responsive starter is usually because the small spade connector on starter has come off but if you get a definate click from solenoid, suspect above.

Don't forget to take the positive (red) lead off the main battery before using any tools on the starter and associated cables Safety is VERY important when dealing with lead/acid batteries and hundreds of amps !