Re: Mysterious failure to start

From: Theo
email: theo@gammaconsortium.com
Date: 22 May 2006
Time: 03:40

Message

Peter Still has sent me the following email:

Theo I have only just read the forum notes on Peter Bristow's starter problems. Bit late now to put my solution, but I had this problem on occasions (2002) when after stopping with a hot engine and then returning to the car I had to wait 10 minutes before any joy. After happening several times I checked the voltage to the solenoid which was 12 volts. My solution was to buy an exchange starter motor (CS 286 - £145) from my local Mr Sparks (name of garage). Problem solved.

You were right about an earlier problem (1998) of when the car was hot, I only had 7.5 volts to the starter solenoid. When this happened I could always start the car by connecting 12 volts to the solenoid. I "solved" the problem by putting a relay in the starter solenoid circuit - when there was only 7.5 volts it was enough to energise the relay which put 12 volts to the solenoid. There was a red herring with this story regarding the 'little red relay' in the starter solenoid circuit. I eventually found out the red relay was energised by the auto box i.e. only energised when in park. When the car was changed to manual, instead of removing the relay, they connected it permanently with 12 volts.

Best regards

Peter