Non start trouble shooter

[Sarge]

Is there a guide on here somewhere ?
I have a Haynes manual and it's not been much use. There are a multitude of reason for non starting, but mine is elecetrical for sure.

Fire and re-wire in the last year or so, new coil, new battery, new solenoid, new regulator.
Polarity reversed, alternator conversion last month and stereo fitted.

All fine for a month since polarity/alternator/stereo etc, then last weekend, a bit of a struggle to start, then no start.
Lights etc bright.
On turning ignition, I have 1 of either 3 responses :
1. Engine turns really slowly - like a flat battery.
2. Fast whirring sound - starter motor ? but no sound of engine turning or firing.
3. Dead as a dead thing.

Bump start no problem. I haven't tried jump leads yet.

I have 12v on the battery and have given it an extra 24 hr charge, just in case.
I have continuity through the fuses, power seems OK.
When ignition if off, stereo is off, so I don't think I have a drained/weak battery.
I am thinking it's the starter motor so any tips on how I check it or what else it could be ?

Thanks

PS Can't do any work on the car for a while due to work location, but any hints to get me thinking would be most appreciated and I will post feedback this time ;-)

[stevey]

the fast whirring could be the starter sticking and not connecting with the flywheel. I had this problem as well, took the starter out and cleaned it and now works well. Also had the slow turn over or nothing, each time it was the battery on its last legs.

[mike.perry]

Forget about fuses as they have no connection with starting.
Check main battery lead connections including battery case and starter motor, and earth lead between chassis and gearbox

[Sarge]

I checked all connections and all seemed ok last week (away from car for another 10 days or so). Will double check.
I just mentioned the fuses for general info, to say that there is power flowing through the car. If I want help from this great resource, I know you lot, who can help, like as much info up front.

Thanks.

[bmcecosse]

Take the starter out and inspect/clean it. But well worth checking there is a good earth path from the engine to the body of the car - or directly to the -ve terminal on the battery.

[Sarge]

I am rubbish at updateing things on here. sorry What with work and Christmas activities the MM issue hasn't been priority.

It was the battery all along, but I think I've done more damage I tried jump leads from a Renault Laguna and all I got was burning ! The black earth wires that go to the wiper motor and fuel pump over heated and started to melt.
Since then I discovered that my Halfords battery charger was in fact a dud. they changed it out no hassle, with no receipt, so 10/10 for that. Hard top argue with "Halfords" plastered all over it.
Battery fully charged and car starts fine. Only problem is more smoking from those earth wires.
I next need to trace and replace any burnt wires and then try again. I am however suspicious of my alternator as I do not seem to be able to get more than 12v accross the battery with the engine running.

How long do you think it would take to run down a fully charged new battery ?

Thanks

[kennatt]

if your burning earth wires out then look closly at the main engine to chassis earth strap usually down by the drivers side engine mounting,could be loose or missing check round the rest of the car to see if theres another one fitted,if not fit one before you have a fire.

[MarkyB]

One day I'll write a Non start trouble shooter knowledge tree, I started one ages ago but ran out of steam.
Basically it's a question and answer thing, maybe starting with does the engine turn on the starter at a reasonable speed? Yes/No.
Each answer leads to another question until the best probable cause is found.
A non starting Morris engine is an ideal candidate as there are a limited number of things that can go wrong, and they are mostly easy to check and repair.

[bmcecosse]

The alternator is not charging if you only have 12 volts. And the problem with the jump leads - -- possible polarity problem? The battery is connected -ve earth - yes????

[Sarge]

I checked, double checked and even triple checked the solarity before I attached the jump leads, but it does look like I mucked up. Further investigation to follow, but with work etc it could be March before I can up date you !

[Sarge]

Got some time to give the car some attention and it didn't atke long to semifix.
Changed out burnt earth cabling at fuel pump and wipers.
Still no lights or power, but 12v at battery.
Re checked everything and followed advise posted on here and found that the earth connection from the battery was not tight enough. Re tightened and I have lights, power and it even starts.

I am however concerned that the battery is not charging.
I have 12.5v, this dips to 11.5v when starting and then stays at 12.5v with the engine at idle.It doesn't appear to increase with revs.
I do NOT get the red ignition light on at all, even with the key turned one click before starting.

Cheers
Mark

[Jefftav]

I think the 12.5v before starting and 11.5v whilst cranking the engine seem acceptable. When you have the engine started leave on a fast idle 1200/1500rpm does this bring up the voltage?

Also check their is nothing switched on (lights, heater, rear screen heater if fitted) then check tension on the fan belt and that the electrical connections are all clean, tight and firm. THen I guess if none of this helps then is the alternator/dynamo faulty?

[Sarge]

As ever, it was a simple problem.
Doing the electrics in a gloomy garage in winter wasn't a good idea.
I had connected the brown/yellow on from the alternator to the brown/green on the loom.

Only took me 3 months to notice ! Never mind, it kept the car away from the salty roads over the winter.

Ignition light works and 13.5v on the battery when idling. Now, what will break next ?