All I get is a click on the starter.

[tvacc]

Hi guys,

Working on my "new to me" Elan Sprint. Ever since i got it, the starter would click when I try to start it but then would eventually start if i tried it a few times. No more.

I turned on the lights they only dim a bit when I get the click. I dont think it is the starter misengagine the flywheel.
It sounds like that as I have had the before on Elans. Or a missing tooth on the flywheel. But the motor was just totally rebuilt.

The radio, an old cassette player has a display. It goes dark when I get the "click". Battery is fine, I even put on a jump pack.

Open to ideas all. I have asked the guy who worked on it before I got it for ideas as well.

Tony

[h20hamelan]

>8v?
<12.5v?
gotta be >12.5v

edit; if your main car battery has a cracked plate cell, no jumping will help

[tvacc]

Battery is an Odyssey 925 and is brand new. Besides I am clamping the jump pack right on the car terminals. It would take over. I can of course eliminate the battery tomorrow morn. And It is 12V

[tvacc]

Just went out to the garage to check on the battery charger I put on the car. 12.8-13V is what my volt meter reads.
Still no start.

[ill_will]

Hi Tony,

If you get your volt meter on the positive terminal of the starter itself you can confirm it is 0 volt before and 12v when you turn the key to start.

This will confirm the solenoid is actually switching. If it is, it could be poor contacts at battery terminals/solenoid/starter/ground straps or the starter is no good. Cleaning all the connections might be a good place to start.

Cheers,

Will

[ill_will]

From memory, I think the radio goes off when the starter is engaged due to it being on the accessory circuit, so that may be expected behaviour rather than an issue.

[reb53]

" But the motor was just totally rebuilt."
I assume you mean the engine itself, not the starter motor ?
That the lights dim suggests a reasonable amount of current is going somewhere, and more than that required to operate the solenoid.
I'd be guessing it's going to the starter motor which isn't in good shape.
The starter hasn't jammed on the ring gear/ fly wheel has it ?

Ralph.

[tonyabacus]

Tony
Check the connection with your voltmeter at the solenoid to see if you are getting a full 12.5v or thereabouts, next check between the solenoid and the starter motor to make sure the lead is taking the current to the starter motor. Next take some jump leads and connect between the negative terminal on the battery to the engine, to check the earthing. (I use the spacers on the left hand mounting), check for continuity between the jump lead and starter motor casing. If the tests above work out out okay, leave the jump lead in position and try starting.

If still the same it could be the starter motor itself which needs an overhaul, perhaps the brushes inside are worn or sticking. Replacing the brushes is best left to a professional, but they will retore the unit to good as new.
Tony

[khamai]

Tony,
Sounds like you've checked the obvious, but ground strap?

Also, what starter?

If Lucas, has it jammed (with flywheel)?

Kiyoshi

[tvacc]

Hi guys,
Thanks for all the ideas. Racing slot cars with my son this afternoon. Car show tomorrow morning. Will work on the Elan tonight and tomorrow afternoon. Will keep you all updated.

Tony

[andyelan]

Hi Tony

If you can get to the back of the starter, try giving it a 1/4 turn then see if it runs. If it does then you've got a dead coil on the armature.

Regards
Andy

[tvacc]

Thanks, will try that when I get home. I quickly tried something. With the ignition off, I pressed the plunger on the solenoid. Nothing from the starter. I then checked the voltage to the hot side of the solenoid. 12.5 I then checked the voltage to the switched side of the solenoid with the plunger pressed. No starter but I do get 12.5.

Will continue when I get back.

Tony

[661]

Make sure the engine/and thereby starter motor, are properly grounded. Connect a jump lead from a good earth point to the engine

[SENC]

If Lucas, you may find this useful.

2 lucas course starters.pdf

(1.86 MiB) Downloaded 45 times

[tvacc]

Guys,
I have checked the 12V cable on the starter. No issue with the tightness of the connection. The little wire seemed to be a little loose, What does that do?
I dont know what kind of starter this is. Never seen one like it before.

I will try and use a battery to test it to see if it works. But honestly, I dont know what else to do other than to buy a new starter. Any ideas all?