[stagewearunlimited]

I've had this motor for 12 years and it's been trouble free, but went to it this morning, switched the ignition on, everything lights up but will not start when I turn the key, I'm not mechanically minded, but think it might possibly be something to do with the starter motor!

Any ideas please?

Cheers! Neil

 

[Wraithman]

Battery

 

[stagewearunlimited]

Hi there,

Battery is fully charged, and I've tried jump leads, but no joy!

 

[Bubble]

Neutral or park?
it’s caught me out more than once

 

[Jim Walters]

First try and start the engine in neutral and park, wiggle shift lever in each while holding key over to start. If no starter operation after doing that check starter relay behind right front shock tower under cover. Legend should be on underside of cover, substitute with one of the other relays there to test if you don't have a spare relay. If still no cranking over after trying another relay use a test light on white/red wire at starter relay for 12 volts when ignition key turned to start. There are several lockouts the starter feed has to run through to before it gets to the starter relay, do those tests first and report back.

 

[stagewearunlimited]

After all that, I think it may have been the battery, even though it seems quite strong! I put jump leads on from another car, and gave it plenty of revs, and it did try to start, so I'll order a new battery and see what happens, thanks everyone for your input!

 

[Wraithman]

Battery should have a date code.. If your car is not used frequently and exercised at highway speeds on a regular basis, you will slowly loose capacity due to non-charging, so therefore, buy a smart charger (C-tek) to maintain the battery, if this is the case.
When it comes to auto batteries, it's all about the amps, A reading of 12 volts.is not the same.

 

[Wraithman]

It's a single battery in a floor well.

 

[rollsroycerescue]

Hey Neil. Other authors here have you on the right path. Batteries in cars will often read 12 volts and have a blown cell which will kill the amps you need to start the car. Also always check the ground first. Grounds in Rollers often cause starting problems. One more item not addressed by our esteemed troubleshooters, the spade conector at the starter. This is close to last on your list. Do all other tests first. But if you experience no start or intermittent start this small primary contact can cause a no start. It is also exposed to vibration and weather from under the car.
Good luck. Rollsroycerescue.

 

[stagewearunlimited]

Thank you for your replies, I bought a new battery and fitted it today, but still no joy!
I'll try ringing the AA, although I'm not sure if they come out to a classic car with it being on SORN, but worth a try! I'll let you know,
The main problem I suppose is that I'm almost 80 years old and not a mechanic!

Cheers! Neil

 

[Wraithman]

Sorry to say or predict...calling AA is asking for trouble.

 

[Wraithman]

Try tapping the starter with a length of 2x4 while someone attempts to start it. Starter may be a little stubborn from lack of use.

 

[stagewearunlimited]

Hi there!
After several days of not starting for some reason, I went out yesterday with a piece of 2x1 as suggested to try tapping the starter whilst turning the key, BUT! Lo and behold! I turned the key and it fired up straight away as though nothing had ever happened, I let the engine run for about 20 mins or so, everything ran perfectly, but then I switched off the ignition, and tried to re-start it, absolutely nothing! all the dashboard lights up (it's a brand new battery) but it just won't start! maybe it's loose wire, or could it still be the starter or alternator?
When I leave the vehicle I always use the isolater switch in the boot, maybe it could have something to do with that?

Cheers! Neil

 

[Wraithman]

Jumping the isolator may provide a clue. Is it aftermarket? Sometimes they have to be exercised to keep the contacts fresh.

 

[stagewearunlimited]

Ok thanks! I've give that a try!

 

[hopeful2021]

I had to have my isolator switch replaced last year, apparently it pretty much disintegrated when the garage went to change the rear spheres.