Cold start problem

Post by **nicholashall** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 9:53 pm

For some weeks now I've just managed to start my Morris in the morning, though once she's done that, starting is immediate at any time during the day. I suspected the battery but have been assured by my local battery company that all is well there and I don't need a new one. He mentioned possible alternator regulator problem or the starter itself. Has anyone got any idea on what this might be?
Any thoughts most appreciated,
Nick

Post by **alex_holden** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 10:01 pm

Does charging the battery up off the car fix it for a few days?

Post by **moggiemadman** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 10:09 pm

It could be your coil playing up,Try changing that if no joy change your spark plugs and distributor cap.Let us know how you get on

Cheers
John

Post by **nicholashall** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 10:30 pm

Coil was replaced only a few months ago, checked plugs at the same time & they were fine. Shall look at the distributor cap tomorrow.

Haven't bothered to charge the battery up overnight as my battery bloke was adamant that the battery was good - showing 12.9v at 3.30 today..

Thanks for your suggestions..
Nick

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 11:21 pm

Almost certainly ignition related - for all they cost - fit new points/condenser/rotor arm/dizzy cap and HT leads. At least you then know it's all 'like new'!

Post by **DaveC** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 12:56 pm

I'd agree with that - try a spray of WD or similar water displacement spray on the coil, leads and dizzy cap. Give the inside of the dizzy a wipe out too, it may be damp related?

Post by **chickenjohn** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 1:25 pm

Agree with the above comments0 likely to be damp on the ignition components.

Post by **nicholashall** » Sat Oct 20, 2007 1:55 pm

Haven't been able to try the WD40 trick yet, but thinking about it I should explain more fully the start problem I have perhaps: it's not a question of the starter going on and on, getting nowhere. The engine struggles to turns over (which is why I thought battery) - so far I've been lucky that it catches after three or four agonising groans! Is this something that damp leads etc could be causing, or is it possibly something more serious with the starter itself or whatever?
Nick

Post by **rayofleamington** » Sat Oct 20, 2007 3:02 pm

could be the starter, the battery, or the battery leads / earth straps.

It's unlikely to be the charging circuit if you have 12.9 volts across the battery(sounds healthy enough)

battery - as you say, it's been checked. I'm guessing they did a high load test, in which case that's a fair test and gives a useful result.

Battery leads and the earth straps need to be checked. There could be a high resistance connection anywhere (at the battery, at the solenoid, at the starter, at the earth lead to body, and either end of the earth strap that goes between gearbox and crossmember).

As for the starter motor itself - a weak starter gives similar symptoms to any of the other faults but it's the last thing worth checking as the other faults are more common. Check with another starter if none of the other things show a problem!

Post by **MoggyTech** » Sat Oct 20, 2007 6:23 pm

With car in NEUTRAL, spin the engine using the little red button on top of the solenoid if better, it's an ignition feed to solenoid problem. If same, solenoid or starter/engine earth to gearbox crossmember

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Oct 20, 2007 6:46 pm

The feed to solenoid either works - or doesn't work - there is no 'in between' where it could make the starter run slowly!
You didn't explain it was 'slow turning' problem. Most likely the battery is knackered - even though it's been checked - best option is to try another battery! And if yours is of uncertain age anyway just buy a new one - Costco batteries are excellent quality (mine 7 years old and still going v strong) and reasonably priced. Makro also not expensive - but I can't vouch for the quality.