Intermittent starting fault

[MorrisJohn]

Okay, so mostly when I pull the starter on my moggie nothing happens. The battery is new and the power isn't getting to the starter motor when I pull switch. It's been tested. If I switch the ignition on and bypass the starter solenoid using a jump lead by connecting starter motor to the battery the car starts up no bother.

I've also noticed if I pull the starter two or three times in quick succession then usually the car will turn over and start, whereas if I only do it once nothing happens.

I'm thinking it's maybe a faulty solenoid - thoughts? Is it easy to replace?

[Boomlander]

Sounds like the solenoid switch is indeed faulty.
New units are available from the main suppliers.

[simmitc]

If you're pulling the starter then don't order a solenoid - solenoids are electrically operated by turning the key. It sounds as if yours is the older style pull switch operated by a cable; and that's what you need. Both sorts are readily available, and the symptoms described do point to your own diagnosis being correct.

[mike.perry]

I have just had the same problem, the starter motor would work if I bypassed the input side of the starter switch. A replacement switch solved the problem.
Disconnect the battery and try a squirt of WD40 on the push button and pull the knob a few times. This may save you having to buy a new switch for a while

[MorrisJohn]

Thanks guys, used WD40 and will see how it goes. Just doing my weekly lights check and noticed another problem...when headlamps are set to dipped beam only front o/s comes on. Glimmer of light from n/s and nothing at the rear. Are there any grounds I should check or does it point to a fuse issue?

[mogbob]

No fuse on headlights , so it will be an iffy earth on the headlight wiring you need to check. Undo the body fixing of the black earth wire ( self tapper / nut and bolt....whatever the previous owner has left for you ).Clean up the terminal ring / fork with emery paper back to clean metal.Do the same with the contact area of bodywork.
Refit and cover the fixing generously with Vaseline/ grease / coppereeze to protect it from rust.
Bob

[bmcecosse]

The rear lights are on the side light circuit - do they work in that position? Or never at all - the side lights on later cars are fused - through an in-line fuse that will be hanging down just below the fuse block.

[MorrisJohn]

Thanks. Where is/are the body fixing of the black earth wire(s) - wings?

The side lights: the o/s/f comes on with dipped beam. The n/s/f doesn't. The rear lights do not come on when sidelights switched to on. Indicators work. The car is Jan 63. I don't recall seeing a separate fuse hanging below the fuse box.

My wee bulb on indicator stalk flashes permanently too, I've been told I need a new indicator stalk. However all lights were working fine when this issue started - I don't think the two are related.

[MorrisJohn]

Front ground solved. Exposed earth. Electrical tape fix.

Now for the rear...hopefully![frame][/frame]

[mogbob]

Earths...you will need a torch to speed up the search. They are in the " murky depths " !

Front...in the engine bay , front bottom corners on the inner wing.With the bonnet open , either lean over the wing each side or to left or right of the radiator.

Rear......Open the boot lid , at the extreme bottom left and right corners , where the boot floor and the upright rear valance join you will find them.

Given the lighting " problems " you have identified I would check out both the supply and earth sides , with a electrical circuit diagram in hand. It could be blown bulbs , chaffed wires ,disconnected wires , poor connections, leading back to the lighting switch. Check and clean them all.
Let us know what you're " left with " that still doesn't work after you've done that.
Bob

[MorrisJohn]

Hmm got the front ones working fine, all the bulbs are in working order (indicators all flash, brake lights illuminate, front dipped & sidelights all working...it's just the rear ones won't come on with sides or dipped beam now. It's a bit of a problem given I plan on using the car tonight :-/

[bmcecosse]

And yet the brake lights work? You'll need to trace the Red cable feeding the rear 'side' lights and the number plate light to find where it is broken. It should be visible in the boot well.

[MorrisJohn]

Yeah brake lights and indicators all fine. Corroded earth in boot - possible cause? Can't seem to find a break.[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

Of course - clean it.

[mogbob]

" Cause "

? 1963 January car
52 years and 7 months of condensation and lack of maintenance.

Bob

[Dr Dan]

I've started having intermittent problems with my '68 Moggie saloon failing to turn over. Ignition lights etc come on, but nothing happens when you turn the key to ignition.

This has twice "fixed itself" now - I hate it when things do that. It also conked out in a traffic jam (really great getting people to push start you when you're waiting for at least 20 ft clearance, and people are complaining that I "can't park in a bus lane".

Sometimes a well-directed expletive can be very stress relieving. The bus stop wasn't mentioned again & I got home. Moggie seemed to prefer side lights on only rather than full headlights (maybe I'm being superstitious here) - but I was making sure to keep revs up, and it "didn't like" the headlight on too.

To the point:

Is this likely to be a loose connection, or a solenoid needing replacement, or is it proper surgery that's needed?

Thanks in advance for any tips

D

[bmcecosse]

You should really start a new thread for a new problem. Sounds like your dynamo is struggling to make enough amps. Is the fan belt tight? The starting could be dodgy solenoid - or maybe the starter needs the commutator and brushes cleaned and checked. You could always start it on the handle rather than rely on others for a push......

[mogbob]

Dan
Before replacing the solenoid .....check out the charging system as Roy has suggested.

I would double check the main cables ( battery disconnected ) ....that is the heavy duty cables ( both ends ! )
1.Battery to earth 2. Battery to Solenoid 3. Solenoid to starter are clean and secure ( don't forget the battery posts and clamps themselves ).
Thinner wire ( i.e normal size for the ordinary wiring ) Connection WR white / red colour lucar connection to the solenoid, coming from the ignition switch, clean metal on the solenoid itself and that the "grip " is firm.

I am assuming that the Starter motor is bolted firmly to the engine block for a good earth. I also am assuming that the earth
strap , Engine to body work , is in good condition , clean and firmly attached ( passenger side of engine block low down by engine mount ).

Having eliminated these and Roy's suggestions if the problem is still there then it could be the solenoid or the ignition switch possibly.
Bob