13 replies to this topic

[gingerflame]

Hi Guys,

 

So this is my first post, despite having followed the forum for a few years now! I have come into possession of a 1985 City E and am in the process of trying to make it start.

 

As my photo may show the engine looks pretty good (well, once cleaned - apologies it's quite an old photo, will get another one soon), and indeed after my inexpert fiddling and poking around it seems like it was fairly well maintained. However of course it doesn't start. All that happens when the key is turns is a mechanic whining/hum, presumably the starter, as I have removed it and checked it works by connecting directly to the battery.

 

I cannot get a spark from the plugs, which look fairly new. Have taken the cap off the dizzy and can't see it spinning upon the key turning (is it meant to or am I mistaken?). 

 

I would welcome any suggestions as to what my next step should be.

 

Cheers, Gingerflame

 

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[KTS]

from the description of the sound the starter makes and the fact the dizzy rotor arm doesn't turn, i'd say it's not engaging the ring gear.

 

if not, and it's not a pre-engaged starter (can't tell from the photo) it may be that the starter motor inertia gear is stuck.  a sharp tap on the motor spindle can sometimes help free it.  otherwise remove the starter motor and free it off by hand 

 

(..i'd recommend you disconnect the battery before removing the starter motor..)

 

oh, and welcome 

Edited by KTS, 15 February 2018 - 11:29 PM.

[gingerflame]

Thank you :) 

 

As luck would have it I have a photo of the starter, (afraid it's apparently too big to upload straight away but here's a link) and I think it's pre engaged but as a noobie i cannot tell ;p

 

Does this change the advice?

 

Once again thank you.

 

https://photos.app.g...7KNBrri1hVrw9E2

 

 

[cal844]

Thank you :) 
 
As luck would have it I have a photo of the starter, (afraid it's apparently too big to upload straight away but here's a link) and I think it's pre engaged but as a noobie i cannot tell ;p
 
Does this change the advice?
 
Once again thank you.
 
https://photos.app.g...7KNBrri1hVrw9E2
 
 

It's an inertia type starter

[Cooperman]

Best take the starter motor off and check that it works. At the same time check the teeth on both the starter ring and the starter motor pinion.

 

That looks an interesting project. Good luck with it.

[DomCr250]

You've connected the battery up the right way, the battery negative needs to go to the body of the car?

The reason I ask is that the starter will spin both ways, but if the battery is the wrong way round the inertia gear will not fling out?

[KTS]

You've connected the battery up the right way, the battery negative needs to go to the body of the car?

The reason I ask is that the starter will spin both ways, but if the battery is the wrong way round the inertia gear will not fling out?

 

good point.  from the photo of the starter motor that's been posted, my moneys on the inertia gear being gummed up with a lovely mix of clutch dust & grease

 

liberal soaking in WD40/penetrating fluid and a good clean should help to free it up

 

one thing though - the inertia gear moves the toward the motor body when the motor spins (..someone correct me if i'm wrong..)

, this then causes the cog to engage with the starter ring that's on the flywheel and so turn the engine, and hopefully start

Edited by KTS, 16 February 2018 - 04:29 PM.

[wile e coyote]

With something that's obviously been dormant for a fair while - clean up that starter and it's connections , refit whip the plugs out pop it in 2nd, turn on ignition and give it a good shove - keep going until orange oil pressure light goes out .... that's both ensure the oil pump is primed and you've got pressure - and free up the engine...

 

Second thing I'd do is remove the solenoid from the inner wing clean up all connections (which I'd put good money on being corroded)  and make sure there's a good earth to the body....

 

Third and most obviously make sure battery is fully charged with clean connections....

 

Still may not run after that but I'd bet it'll turn over fine.... 

[Cooperman]

Before trying to start an engine that has not run for a long time you should always do the following:

 

Remove the plugs, put some light oil down the bores and turn the engine over for several revolutions.

Adjust the valve clearances.

Take off the distributor cap, clean and re-set the points and clean the rotor arm.

Ensure the coolant level is correct.

Put some light oil in the carb dashpot and make sure the carb piston rises and falls freely.

Check the oil level and change the oil (20w50 mineral oil) if it looks old and dirty, fit a new oil filter ensuring the filter is filled with oil.

Fully charge the battery and make sure the oil warning light or oil pressure gauge is working.

Check for a spark at the points and at the plugs. Use new plugs.

 

Spin the engine over with the plugs out until there is oil pressure. Check that there is petrol in the carb float chamber. Fit the plugs and plug leads, ensuring that the plug leads are in the correct firing sequence 1-3-4-2.

[gingerflame]

Sorry about the late reply guys, I've been snowed under at work with late hours. 

 

I spent the weekend cleaning up the starter, soaking it in coke to de grease, and then spraying with WD40 before refitting. Tried turning it over today and still the same - loud whirring noise as before. 

 

I think my next step will have to be checking the solenoid, as i'm pretty sure the battery is on the right way (although i may double check the starter will work under inertia properly with the main battery.)

 

To me the plugs seem okay, i'll have to get a photo, but they seem pretty new, so I think the major problem is getting the voltage from the dizzy to spark it. 

 

Cheers for all the help so far guys 

[Retroman]

Once its turning over and you have a spark, its down to the fuel side,

 

Having been stood for a while I would advise some new fuel as modern fuel goes stale after a while.

[1984mini25]

 

I spent the weekend cleaning up the starter, soaking it in coke to de grease, and then spraying with WD40 before refitting. Tried turning it over today and still the same - loud whirring noise as before. 

 

I think my next step will have to be checking the solenoid...

 

If the solenoid was at fault the you'd be getting nothing from the starter motor at all.

 

My fist thought would be (and something everyone above has missed) Does the engine actually turn over?

 

Because its a bit awkward trying to get a spanner on the crank pulley, have you whipped the plugs, tried putting it in 4th and rocking the car back and forth to see if the bottom pulley/fan belt/water pump/fan move?

[tiger99]

We can eliminate the battery being reversed. If it was, the alternator would go up in smoke, but the starter would still turn the correct way, because on tat car it is a wound field motor (modern cars may be permanent magnet) and a reversed battery reverses both armature and field so the motor runs the same way.

[gingerflame]

Hi there guys,

 

Sorry about the delay in response, I have just been away travelling through europe for a while. Having got back I switched the starter motor for another and re tried turning the motor over - it seems like firing is the issue now, as the engine will turn over on it's own (@1984mini25 thank you for that suggestion) therefore I feel that it needs an electrical overhaul as the electrics on the car seem dodgy in quite a few areas. Any opinions/ pointers as to where to begin?

Thanks,

Gingerflame