So I’ve got an '81 HL Auto - I love the thing, but it has been having some starting issues lately, and just wondered if anyone would be able to advise on what I should try, or what my starting problem could be?
Recently I’ve been replacing a number of components, e.g. alternator (the old one packed up), battery, sparks, coil, HT leads. But one issue I’ve been having is starting the car, and it’s worse when hot.
I replaced the original starter solenoid (the terminal which takes the feed from the key quite literally fell off) with a new Intermotor one worked for a week or so, but now I’m stuck.
When I turn the key, the starter solenoid clicks (similar if I rock the gear selector, it clicks), but the starter motor does nothing. If I bridge the contacts on the solenoid and have someone turn the key, the car fires up - starter spins, and the car fires up fine.
Battery reads 12.9V, and it reads 12.5V at the solenoid terminal, so I think the battery cable is fine.
Frequently it refuses to start when hot (solenoid clicks, but starter motor does nothing - if I let it cool a little, it's normally fine), but now it doesn’t fancy starting at all. Seeing as it starts when I bridge the terminals, I assume the starter motor is fine? Could the ‘new’ solenoid have given up, or not as it clicks?
Tried scrubbing the engine earth strap terminals, solenoid terminals, and battery terminals, but didn’t help.
If anyone has any idea of what it could be, would be great! Has been driven daily for the past 3 months, ran without problems up till now!