12 replies to this topic

[nollyd]

Hi.ive recently posted about some issues with my electrical system.running fine for 10 mins then cutting out.
So hopefully ive found the problem.starter relay under bonnet on clutch side inner wing.ive got a new one coming today but just wanted to know if this relay could cause these sort of symptoms.and what could cause this relay to break.it does look like the original to be fair so 28 years isnt too bad really.

[Leonrjohnson]

Starter relay is only active when the starter switch is engaged, so I can't imagine that this is the cause of cutting out  after the engine is running.This relay usually fails due to the 2 big contacts inside getting eroded due to use.Sounds like the coil may be getting overheated and failing after 10 minutes.Are you sure it is an electrical problem, and not fuel?

[nollyd]

Its definately not fuel.ruled that out first.compression is at 160 across all four.i did bypass the wires and it ran properly but didnt want to risk anything else.trying to get new relay today.

[dyshipfakta]

It won't be the relay as said relay only actually works when the starter is turning.

[nollyd]

Ok.so could someone tell me what it could be instead of what it isnt plz.il try coil.fuel checked.any ideas.

[nicklouse]

a loose wire somewhere.

blocked tank breather.

failing fuel pump.

 

 

anything.

[KernowCooper]

As Pointed out by Nick above "Anything" to find out you need to do a full engine tune and check of all components of the Ignition system checking voltage at the coil and work your way through it, It won't be the starter relay as its not connected to anything that controls the running of the car. As soon as it stops out with the voltmeter and check Coil Voltage, ohms between the + & - terminals and then check for spark at the plugs. If you still have spark at the plugs when it stops then its fuel related.

[nollyd]

Ok.cheers.il get back to you when ive finished work.

[Carlos W]

We're referring to the starter solenoid, rather than the relay aren't we? (big thing on the inner wing with a thick cable from the battery and to the starter and smaller wires coming off it)

 

Loss of power here would cause the car to cut out, I'm just not sure what would cause the symptoms you're describing.

[dklawson]

We're referring to the starter solenoid, rather than the relay aren't we? (big thing on the inner wing with a thick cable from the battery and to the starter and smaller wires coming off it)

 

Loss of power here would cause the car to cut out, I'm just not sure what would cause the symptoms you're describing.

 

Yes and no.  The main battery feed cable from the rear of the car will go to one of the threaded posts on the solenoid.  A whole bunch of the car's "brown" wires attach to that same threaded solenoid terminal.  IF you have loose contacts between the brown wires and main battery feed cable you could lose some circuits or those circuits could come and go with vibration.  However, a failed or failing solenoid will not cause the problems reported.  A failed solenoid would just prevent the engine from turning over on the key.  

[nollyd]

just a quick update guys,had to replace 5 wires in loom,ignition switch too.found that whilst running if i pressed on the back of the ignition switch it would stall.also after checking on the info you all gave me realised i had been sold the wrong coil.on replacing it then putting in the restrictive bypass wire was all good,replaced the starter relay too as it was badly corroded inside..one good thing is the car is now in new condition where ignition side is concerned as leads,coil,plugs,rotar arm,dizzy cap,fuel pump have all been replaced too.

 

one last thing to do is thank you all sooooooo much for your help and advice,knew i could count on you.

[dklawson]

I am glad that you were able to sort out so many issues and will be on the road soon.

 

For future readers of this thread be aware that the starter relay and the starter solenoid are not the same thing.  On Minis with the pre-engaged starters a separate, small starter relay is used to power the solenoid on the starter motor.  This was necessary as the pre-engaged starter solenoid draws too much current through the ignition switch contacts for the starter.

[nollyd]

ive learnt so much these past few days thanks to you guys.