Battery charging/slow starter motor

Newbie Joined: 25 Sep 2006 Posts: 16

Now that the cabby is starting again, can I ask for your view on the following please

Owned the car just over a year now and during this time the starter has always been a bit slow to turn over, but generally the engine would fire up almost immediately. Earlier this year after driving into Birmingham (about 17 miles) I switched off the engine - no problems so far - tried to start the car about 5 mins later and there was not even an attempt to turn over the engine - managed to bump start and it was ok then for a week - however I decided to put a new battery on just in case. Even with the new battery the starter was no faster and about 3 weeks ago again after driving about 15 miles or so, after stopping the engine for a couple of mins, the reaction was as if the battery was flat. This time called out RAC who indicated that there was a voltage drop on live lead to battery (of 0.2v) with a reading at the battery of 12.89 and reading at alternator of 13.00.

Does anyone have any thoughts on what may be the problem?

FCS Event Manager Joined: 04 Jan 2005 Posts: 3680

Has the starter motor got its heat sheild fitted ?

Mine will do the same thing after a long run spesh if i am pushing it a little harder than normal, wait 10 to 15 minutes for it to cool down and she will start again with no problem.
Even thou mine does have the heat sheild fitted, the starter sits right under the exhaust manifold so is subjected to quite a lot of heat, the case expands on the starter motor leading to the non starting problem.

Level 9 User Joined: 03 Jul 2006 Posts: 412

Mine developed the exact same problem 4 weeks ago, out of the blue. I've got a second hand starter to fit over the weekend, i'll let you know if there's any improvement.

I also had to bump start a late 80's Volvo estate today which from the sounds of it has a very similar problem. those things literally weight tons!

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

it'll be the heat, also add decent new earthing to the engine, direct from the battery

Newbie Joined: 25 Sep 2006 Posts: 16

Is the heatshield on the exhaust or on the starter m (or both) ? - How do I provide an earth (to the engine block?) and why.

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

theres a few heatshields o n the car

the one for the starter bolts to the starter support bracket.

go to halfords buy the 18 inch earth braid. Direct to the battery earth to the engine lifting eye. Improves starting running and battery charging.