Starting problems

Post by **al2006** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 11:32 am

OK, heres a problem.
This morning I drove my morris 1000 for a couple of miles (started first time), I then stopped for a few minutes and when I came back to it it wouldn't start.
The ignition light did not come on, but it did click.
The fuses are all ok, and the battery indicates it has full charge. I tried tapping the starter motor...
I managed to bump start it to get home, but this only started the engine and the electrics didn't come to life (i.e. indicators, radio, wipers...), and now it still won't start and I'm at the bottom of a hill!
When I turned the engine off, the ignition light did flicker.
Any suggestions, as I'm all out of ideas.
Thanks.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 1:34 pm

Start by checking the battery connections - and the earth wire to the body - take it off, clean it and the metal where it bolts on. Also clean the connections at the starter solenoid - take them off (do this while earth wire is disconnected) - clean and replace. Then try again. Do the headlights work ?

Post by **al2006** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 2:00 pm

Thanks.
I just swapped a couple of glass fuses around, and it started, so I've replaced the dodgy fuse (which did appear fine), and now all seems ok.
I'm still not sure of the cause of this tho' (this is the 2nd time in 6weeks), as I thought the starter/ignition wasn't supposed to be fused?
I suppose I'll just have to carry lots of fuses....

Post by **bigginger** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 2:40 pm

The fuse holders themselves can become dirty and loose, meaning intermittent conductivity

Post by **Orkney** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 4:21 pm

yes i had that problem recently the indicators stopped working - the sprung tabs and the backing plate all needed a good clean with some fine sandpaper, put new fuses back in then gave it a light spray of coppergrease - or once its clean that dampstart for HT leads etc would do but bit wary of that stuff.
Its always handy to carry a couple of fuses in the car as expect most petrol stations etc nowadays only carry more modern variants & you never know when you might need one

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 8:35 pm

Indeed the starter solenoid is NOT fused - so you really have two or more problems there - possibly you disturbed the wiring while fixing the fuse and so - for now - it's making contact!