Mk2 1600gt starter problem

[Mk2 Crayford 6]

Had a strange issue today. Took the Crayford out so I could burn my bald head. When I parked up after about a 40 min drive, I had to move the car a couple of mins later. At first it wouldn't start, then when it did the starter wouldn't disengage - thankfully ive got a battery isolator in the car so could turn it off. After a few goes it started so I took it home to investigate. I've never been great with the voodoo of car electrics, but assume the issue is with the solenoid not reacting to the release of the key from the start position.  I've had the starter out and the gear moves freely and all the teeth etc are there. 

Am I right to think a new solenoid is the logical thing to replace, or is there a way to check one for an intermittent fault?

 

Edited May 24 by Mk2 Crayford

[sheffieldcortinacentre 763]

Yes more than likely ( could also be a sticking ignition switch)

[TimB 102]

When you say wouldn't start do you mean didn't crank?

When you said, then when it did the starter wouldn't disengage, the engine started but the starter motor was still turning engaged with the ring gear? i.e. making a hell of a noise.

When you say, thankfully ive got a battery isolator in the car so could turn it off, turning the isolator off stopped the engine running and no electrics worked?

When you said, the starter wouldn't disengage, you had turned the key in the switch to the ignition off position?

When you say , After a few goes it started so I took it home to investigate, do you mean it didn't crank and then did crank and started using the key in the usual way?

Just trying to get a full picture of events to make suggestions.

 

I'm always in favour of doing full diagnosis to disgnose the fault before changing parts that may not be the problem or needed. 

 

 

[Mk2 Crayford 6]

14 hours ago, TimB said:

When you say wouldn't start do you mean didn't crank? Cranked but wouldn't fire.

When you said, then when it did the starter wouldn't disengage, the engine started but the starter motor was still turning engaged with the ring gear? i.e. making a hell of a noise.Yep

When you say, thankfully ive got a battery isolator in the car so could turn it off, turning the isolator off stopped the engine running and no electrics worked? Turned the ignition off but the car kept running Isolator is on the battery to solenoid cable so used that to stop it.

When you said, the starter wouldn't disengage, you had turned the key in the switch to the ignition off position? Yep

When you say , After a few goes it started so I took it home to investigate, do you mean it didn't crank and then did crank and started using the key in the usual way? Fired a couple of times but wouldn't disengage, then finally fired normally, so I fled for home.

Just trying to get a full picture of events to make suggestions. After checking the starter gear etc I took it for a spin and all was normal. When I got back I turned it off and restarted it, same issue with not disengaging. I've got another solenoid somewhere so will swap it out and see if the problem goes away.

 

I'm always in favour of doing full diagnosis to disgnose the fault before changing parts that may not be the problem or needed. 

 

 

 

[sheffieldcortinacentre 763]

I'd say solenoid or switch. Worn&/or sticking.

[TimB 102]

Assuming it has an inertia starter motor with separate solenoid.

If you take the activator cable off the solenoid then use a different bit of cable from the battery positive to the solenoid activator solenoid, see if it operates correctly, if it does it suggests the ign/start switch is sticking or internally bridging. 

If you put a e.g. jump lead cable from the battery positive to the starter main cable terminal, (taking care not to accidentally short against anything metal) does the starter work correctly when you put the cable on and off as if operating the ign switch. If it does then starter is ok if it cranks too long or doesn't stop it's faulty.

If you bridge the main cables on the solenoid (again with care) does the starter operate correctly. If yes it suggests the solenoid is faulty.

 

Just some starters before spending money.

Also it's a good idea to disconnect the battery then take all the starter circuit cables off one at a time and clean them to shining clean then refit making sure they are clean and tight, but not over tight. Any cable even if it is tight can develop corrosion within itself unseen to the naked eye and resistance or shorting/bridging can occur. 

 

IMHO, initial things to try and good luck. Will comment on the results if you wish. Pinning down the exact cause of the fault may take a bit of digging.