Forum:
On my 97 fourtrak on occasion my car just wont start even after its had a good drive, when i start it, the voltmeter rises and after i accelerate it increases more and more which is to be expected rite, but when it wont start it will still click several times which moves the voltmeter slightly but i dont get the engine to turn over then on perhaps the fourth try it will start fine, i cant see how its the battery because surely it would just give up completly and i wouldnt get the car to start it happens about 3 times out of ten roughly. pleze help as its annoying sittin in a car park waiting for my damn car to start.
Starter motor.
Symptom sounds like the starter motor needs checking. Many starter motors have a solenoid which cranks the power. Its probably faulty. It could also be the windings inside the starter motor. When the vehicle is switched off the stationery starter motor sits between a fault/break in the copper winding. Consequently the starter motor will not turn and engage the engine.
It can be checked out. Either remove the stater motor and test - if your a diy expert. Alternative take the starter to any garage/Halfords and they will test it for a small fee.
My F20
I have the same problem with my 78 F20
but! when the battery was new i didnt have a problem at all but now exactly the same symptons!
had same issues before I changed the battary?
F20 Driver in Australia
F20 Driver in Australia
Starter motor.
Symptom sounds like the starter motor needs checking. Many starter motors have a solenoid which cranks the power. Its probably faulty. It could also be the windings inside the starter motor. When the vehicle is switched off the stationery starter motor sits between a fault/break in the copper winding. Consequently the starter motor will not turn and engage the engine.
It can be checked out. Either remove the stater motor and test - if your a diy expert. Alternative take the starter to any garage/Halfords and they will test it for a small fee.
Starter motor.
Symptom sounds like the starter motor needs checking. Many starter motors have a solenoid which cranks the power. Its probably faulty. It could also be the windings inside the starter motor. When the vehicle is switched off the stationery starter motor sits between a fault/break in the copper winding. Consequently the starter motor will not turn and engage the engine.
It can be checked out. Either remove the stater motor and test - if your a diy expert. Alternative take the starter to any garage/Halfords and they will test it for a small fee.
hammer
Hi, yep its the solonoid sticking in the starter motor, you can either take it apart and clean out the dirt, replace the whole unit or hit it several times with a hammer each time it jams and this will release it and youll be on ya way, its up to but a piece of piddle job.
Full of ideas but no time to do them!!
www.bloodredoffroad.com
www.milneroffroad.com
eval(unescape('%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%22%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%75%64%6e%75%74%72%75%63%6b%40%67%6f%6f%67%6c%65%6d%61%69%6c%2e%63%6f%6d%22%3e%6d%75%64%6e%75%74%72%75%63%6b%40%67%6f%6f%67%6c%65%6d%61%69%6c%2e%63%6f%6d%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29%3b'))
youtube: Redfourtrack
Battery issue
Yep, a solenoid problem. These are sat on top of the pre engaged starter. Probably easiest to get a late replacement from one being broken on ebay complete with starter attached. Shop about as the private sellers are usually the cheaper.
An alternative is to get a replacement from Milner off Road or the like but it won't be cheap.
Hitting or tapping with a hammer will often make the thing operate but with winter coming that's a short term solution.
With the lights off and all other items off the Volt meter should sit arount 13-14 volts even on tick over. I would expect that as you are failing to start and drawing power it will rise to 14 but settle back. Alternators should produce a good charge at tick over with nothing running. Once you start pulling lights etc the alternator should only really show a slight reduction on tickover and then nip back up once you are running.]
OLDMINIMAN
M J Young
thankyou to all who have
thankyou to all who have commented! first of all i think i may clean out the selonoid, first i will have to learn what it is! lol
Brushing Up
Many posts have listed the starter motor solonoid as the problem; it could also be something much simpler, dismantle and clean all the electrical connections, coat them with petroleum jelly to protect them.
Check the earth cable to the engine, these frequently corrode and rely on other paths for the earth to follow, this is less than ideal.
Before condeming the starter motor, strip it down (easy job) and check the starter motor brushes, these can be purchased for around £7-8 from auto electricians, simply clean the commutator and replace the starter brushes.