Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I installed a Tilton 'superstarter' (from dave bean engr) 2 years ago.
Works pretty well, but occasionally it won't turn over. All
connections are tight and the amp meter shows high current draw when
ignition is turned. Battery is new and fully charged. I've noticed
that it seems to occur when the engine is hot. Is it the built in
solenoid that can't take the heat? Any ideas?

thanks,
steve

Don't really have an answer for you, except that I've used the Tilton Superstarter for years
with no problem. I bought it from Bean in the early 90's. It was a chore to install and
required grinding of the engine block for clearance in order to sit flush with the mounting
surface. Maybe it's not wired quite right? I've just got the main half-inch thick cable going
to the stud terminal, and then a short jumper wire from this terminal over to the spade
terminal. At least that's how I remember it. Can't see it too well with the carbs on.

-Good luck

Will Grainger
45/9693


--- In ***@***.***, "nygroup" <Nygroup@a...> wrote:

--- In ***@***.***, "nygroup" <Nygroup@a...> wrote:




Dont know anything about Tilton starters but it sounds like you are
getting "voltage drop"
Strangely it normally occurs when cars are hot and not cold, its a
build up of high resistance through the wiring and
connections,usually
with old wiring and connections, you could check what voltage you
have
at the solinoid when it happens.Fitting a relay to the starter
circuit
usually fixes the problem.
Brian.
64Elan/72Sprint/J.P.S.Europa/Birkin T.C.Seven

Brian,
Thanks for the tip. Interesting..
So, you are suggesting that I install a relay in the circuit that
feeds the solenoid? Easy enough to do, so I'll give it a try.

thanks,
steve

--- In ***@***.***, "Brian Goodison"
<bgoodison777@h...> wrote:

Will,
Thanks for the info. I didn't have a problem installing it, and it's
wired right (in same manner as you indicate) and starts fine 95 out
of 100 times. The relay suggestion from Brian sounds like it might
help and is easy to do, so I'll try that and see what happens.

thanks,
steve



--- In ***@***.***, "Will Grainger" <lotuselan@s...>
wrote:

--- In ***@***.***, "nygroup" <Nygroup@a...> wrote:

Yes, a good source of 12v to the relay, the wire from the ign switch
which went to the solenoid now goes to the relay, the relay now feeds
the solenoid.
Ofcourse the relay will proberably need another power and earth
(ground)connection.
Brian
64Elan/72Sprint/J.P.S.Europa/Birkin T.C.Seven

Excellent! Thanks for the suggestion. I'll give it a try today.

steve



--- In ***@***.***, "Brian Goodison" <bgoodison777@h...>
wrote: