4 replies to this topic

[paul.mcewen]

Hello:

 

I'm not sure if this is a clutch problem, a solenoid problem, or both.

 

Biographical information:

-1965 Austin Mini Deluxe Saloon

-LHD

-848cc engine

-4 speed manual

-ignition key goes to solenoid, which connects to starter  (i.e. not the floor mounted starter switch like earlier models)

 

Current problems:

- When the ignition key is turned, the starter sounds like it engages and there is an intermittent grinding sound, but the engine does not turn over

- When driving in gear (when I was still able to get the car started), once warm, the clutch would stay engaged (i.e. engine power would not fully be applied to the transmission/wheels)

 

Diagnostics:

- Not due to low battery power, as I have tried getting using a battery charger on the "car start" mode to provide power.

- Starter motor seems to work properly on the bench, under direct 12V power.

- Clutch slave cylinder looks new, 'though I haven't bled it yet.  (A problem here would normally cause a clutch that won't engage, not one that won't disengage, no?)

 

Questions:

1) Why won't the starter turn over the engine?

2) Is the solenoid the problem?

3) Assuming the clutch is malfunctioning, how much of it and which parts should be replaced? 

 

Any help gratefully received!

 

P.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[pdaykin]

It may be the clutch is a separate issue.

If you think the starter is engaging and works on the bench I would be checking to see if anything is making the engine hard to turn over.

If you take the plugs out can you turn it by hand ?

My alternator siezed recently. Spent ages checking batteries, starters etc before I realised.

[tiger99]

First I suggest checking if the flywheel is loose. A quick check through the starter motor aperture or even the thing aperture may be sufficient to see if it is loose and wobbly, and hopefully rule it out.

That leaves quite a few possibilities.

[paul.mcewen]

Thanks to both of you.  Had a good chat with my brother who suggested cleaning all electrical contacts (esp to solenoid), and possibly bypassing entire switch assembly by putting power to the starter directly - if that doesn't get the engine turning, it's mechanical (flywheel, generator, etc.).  Otherwise, it's in the electrical switching train (ignition switch or solenoid).

[paul.mcewen]

Thanks to both of you.  Had a good chat with my brother who suggested cleaning all electrical contacts (esp to solenoid), and possibly bypassing entire switch assembly by putting power to the starter directly - if that doesn't get the engine turning, it's mechanical (flywheel, generator, etc.).  Otherwise, it's in the electrical switching train (ignition switch or solenoid).