Elan does not want to come out of hibernation

[pereirac]

It might be worth checking the earth connection between the battery lead and the chassis.
Do you have electronic iginition and/or points/ condenser, it might be worth having a look there as well?

[robb4100]

Ran the following checks

Solenoid to battery (not cranking) on 12+ volts the other 0
with cranking both 12+ volts

This suggests the solenoid is fine- yes?

starter motor to battery with cranking 12+ volts
starter housing to battery with cranking 0 volts
voltage across battery with cranking 12+ volts

was able to spin the armature with very little effort almost spun freely.

Given that the starter motor has power and yet will not turn does this mean that the starter is shot?

Robb

[rgh0]

Sounds a lot like its the starter motor.

A friend in a Seven did something similar at the race track a few weeks ago. Tried to start the car with what he knew was a low battery and the starter would not crank, probably let the starter sit stalled for a few moments to long. Charged the battery and still could not start it and it turned out that the starter was now burnt out.

I then gave him a lend of a spare starter which I knew was good. Turned out it still would not start - he had run a bearing in the preceeding race and partially siezed the engine !

Rohan

[john.p.clegg]

The fact that the starter motor spins so freely suggests to me the brushes(4) are not making good contact with the commutator....
Either fit new brushes or try another starter.....

John [/quote]

[M100]

Definitely looks like the starter and maybe the brushes as John says. Only a few quid to buy and fit yourself if you can find an autoelectrical place to sell them loose. You'll need a pretty hefty soldering iron though.

It's a while since I priced up a rebuild but 30 quid cash got the job done about 5 years ago on a more complex pre-engaged starter. Exchange units from the "usual suspects" are around 60 quid or more though.

[robb4100]

Thanks all,

going to replace the starter and see what happens

Robb