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Post by jonty1951 on Dec 4, 2011 10:47:08 GMT
I've recently noticed that the engine cranks over a bit sluggishly for a couple of seconds before firing.
The 4 year old battery was definately suspect as the car has stood a lot in the last year, so I replaced it last month.
I realise only driving 5 miles a day with the lights, heater, etc wont help, but I connect it to a trickle charger most nights ( about 12 hours).
I've checked the charging with a voltmeter, which seems OK, and also the main earth lead under the bonnet.
Are they prone to starter motor faults ie dirty, loose or corroded connections, or is there anything else to look for ?
John
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Post by SWMG Admin on Dec 4, 2011 13:15:33 GMT
I've recently noticed that the engine cranks over a bit sluggishly for a couple of seconds before firing. The 4 year old battery was definately suspect as the car has stood a lot in the last year, so I replaced it last month. I realise only driving 5 miles a day with the lights, heater, etc wont help, but I connect it to a trickle charger most nights ( about 12 hours). I've checked the charging with a voltmeter, which seems OK, and also the main earth lead under the bonnet. Are they prone to starter motor faults ie dirty, loose or corroded connections, or is there anything else to look for ? John 4years not bad for battery age and could be on the way out, if you do replace get onn with high Cranking amps which is needed more on colder days and winter starting,something like this www.advancedbatterysupplies.co.uk/carbatteryvartablued59.html i know Greyfox had trouble with the earth lead from batt to wing and does sometimes work loose/corrosion at the bolt on the wing,so worth checking that,replace with little bit bigger cable perhaps. |
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Post by helsbyman on Dec 4, 2011 15:55:00 GMT
Hi, seeing you talking of earth connections, do you by chance know what size the bolt is as I have been thinking of changing mine to stainless steel the bolt that is. I have already changed the bolts on the front section and put s/s screws in the side light inspection lids
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Post by Jerry & Di on Dec 5, 2011 9:19:38 GMT
As mentioned, check the earth straps between battery and body, body and engine. Also, check the starter terminals, both the thick feed cable, but also the lucar connection that activates the solenoid which sometimes gunges up. I ran a separate earth cable direct from the battery to the engine block, as there is a big voltage drop through the tin of the body on starting  |
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Post by jonty1951 on Dec 5, 2011 17:51:08 GMT
OK Jerry, so where can I find the engine to body earth lead ?
I've just polished up the battery lugs and connections, and I'm now waiting to get my battery charger back off my son ( I dont think the trickle charger is putting much charge out).
John
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Post by Jerry & Di on Dec 5, 2011 19:39:14 GMT
OK Jerry, so where can I find the engine to body earth lead ? I've just polished up the battery lugs and connections, and I'm now waiting to get my battery charger back off my son ( I dont think the trickle charger is putting much charge out). John Trickle chargers are fine if the battery is up to speed. I can't remember where the engine to body link is, but there is one from the rear luggage compartment wall onto the block under the inlet manifold somewhere  |
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Post by helsbyman on Dec 7, 2011 9:18:25 GMT
Hi Jerry you say you ran an earth from the battery to the block is there a bracket on the block or did you make one
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Post by Jerry & Di on Dec 7, 2011 13:12:24 GMT
Hi Jerry you say you ran an earth from the battery to the block is there a bracket on the block or did you make one I think I used a starter mounting bolt, and a cable in one single length with proper ends soldered on. |
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Post by jonty1951 on Dec 7, 2011 23:00:58 GMT
Jerry, what gauge/size cable did you use for the new, long earth lead?
How / where did you route it to the rear ( I assume you did away with the original battery to body earth lead ?).
John
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Post by Jerry & Di on Dec 8, 2011 9:36:16 GMT
Jerry, what gauge/size cable did you use for the new, long earth lead? How / where did you route it to the rear ( I assume you did away with the original battery to body earth lead ?). John No idea, can't remember after so long ago. There was a thread somewhere on here  Just ordinary 175 amp black copper cable. It ran, as well as the existing earthing strap, from the battery under the car alongside the underfloor coolant pipes in existing plastic clips. I also replaced the OEM strap with another heavy duty one with soldered connections together with better battery terminals complete with plastic covers. Earthing through the tin work of the body is always problematic at the best of times, and it is best to clean/check these connections from time to time. |
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Post by jonty1951 on Feb 7, 2012 17:10:43 GMT
With regards to a new earth strap point, is there somewhere closer to the front end I could use ( perhaps behind the dash)?
To be honest, I dont want the hassle of running a cable down to the engine ( crawling underneath in this weather, etc !!).
John
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