Hello
I've got a '93 Mini Rio, with carb and original electronic ignition (not points). For a while now I've had an occasional problem with nothing happening when I turn the key, usually after several short trips in a short period of time. Leaving it alone for a while usually makes the problem go away, or giving the solenoid casing a solid knock with a breaker bar sometimes works. My understanding is this was caused by a sticky starter solenoid, though I rarely hear a click - just see a very very faint pulsing of the ignition/oil lights).
So today, out of curiosity ( 
), I followed the Haynes guide to removing the pre-engaged starter from the car, and undid the two small bolts holding the solenoid yoke to the motor casing. I took the metal tube (plunger?) out and cleaned off a small build-up of muck from it and the spring around it. This muck didn't look like lubricant, so I didn't put anything on it before putting it all back together again. I made sure the metal square on the plunger was over the little lever inside the casing. I noticed this lever seemed rather easy to move about, but the tube didn't move very smoothly in/out against the spring, however it seemed OK in the operating range. When I bolted the yoke back in place, I could see the end of the square inside the small plastic window on the motor/solenoid casing.
I cleaned the surfaces between motor and flywheel housing, and once it was all back inside the car, cleaned the wiring ring connectors. Everything is reconnected as it was, however now she won't start, same symptoms as above.
I'm getting 12.05v at the battery, and 10.5-11v at the solenoid upper terminal leads. I'm on my own at the moment so can't measure anything when the key is turned. The dash clock backlight goes off whilst the key is held over to the ignition position.
Should I have lubricated the metal tube in the solenoid yoke? Should I just replace the solenoid? The one I have appears to be the original unit.
Any thoughts on what I should do next greatly appreciated...
Thanks
