13 replies to this topic

[miniGTS]

Reached the point in my build where the engine(new old build) is in and I fitted the starter and solenoid, coil, etc to try to get it started.

I figured I'd swing the engine over a few times before actually starting it...

I tried with a new battery but using an old solenoid... It clicks so I assume it works?

The starter works out of the car but doesn't seem to turn the engine over. The solenoid just clicks. But I also noticed some smoke and the smell of electrical burn when I turn the key and the solenoid clicks.. The smoke is coming from between the bulkhead and engine. I can't think what's causing it. Anything I need to check? Could it be from the cable running from the battery to the solenoid? And if so, why?

I also tried with a new starter, the new starter just spins freely and there is also the same smoke but seems less possibly.

[nicklouse]

Have you earthed the engine?

[miniGTS]

Have you earthed the engine?

I haven't... I assumed it's earthed through the various mounting points.

I'll earth the engine tomorrow and try again.

So I need an earth strap from engine to the subframe or must it be to the body?

What's the common earth strap mounting points?

[Avtovaz]

check your heater cable to heater valve, bet that s melted!

[miniGTS]

check your heater cable to heater valve, bet that s melted!

That's not fitted yet.

[nicklouse]

 

Have you earthed the engine?

I haven't... I assumed it's earthed through the various mounting points.

I'll earth the engine tomorrow and try again.

So I need an earth strap from engine to the subframe or must it be to the body?

What's the common earth strap mounting points?

 

It’s all rubber mounted.  When people forget the earth strap things start melting or boiling.

[cal844]

Earth it, use a jump lead between the engine and body shell as a very temporary measure...

[68+86auto]

 

Have you earthed the engine?

I haven't... I assumed it's earthed through the various mounting points.

I'll earth the engine tomorrow and try again.

So I need an earth strap from engine to the subframe or must it be to the body?

What's the common earth strap mounting points?

 

 

Engine to body NOT the subframe.

 

There's at least a couple of different places the factory used.

One version has a captive nut on the inner guard close to the starter. A braided cable then went between it and a starter mounting bolt.

 

Another version went from each end of the engine steady.

[Spider]

Do that again and then quickly feel all the electrical connections in the area, it's likely a bigger connection / cable like an Earth, Battery Cable Lug or the Solenoid, but feeling for the hot one will quickly show you which one it is ! It may even be the throttle cable.

If the engine is fresh, while it's a good idea to confirm there's power there o it to be able to turn it over, I would strongly advise against turn it over until the moment when you are going to start and drive it. You want to avoid any cranking until it can be run so you can get oil splashing on the cam and you want to drive it right away to avoid glazing the bores.

[Lplus]

Possibly earthed through the throttle cable if the heater cable isn't on.  That will have melted any inner lining at may well cause the cable to stick or be rough.  Mine have the earth strap in parallel with the top steady bar, from fixing bolt to fixing bolt.

[corrado vr6]

Guessing the engine turns over by hand?

[miniGTS]

Do that again and then quickly feel all the electrical connections in the area, it's likely a bigger connection / cable like an Earth, Battery Cable Lug or the Solenoid, but feeling for the hot one will quickly show you which one it is ! It may even be the throttle cable.

If the engine is fresh, while it's a good idea to confirm there's power there o it to be able to turn it over, I would strongly advise against turn it over until the moment when you are going to start and drive it. You want to avoid any cranking until it can be run so you can get oil splashing on the cam and you want to drive it right away to avoid glazing the bores.

The engine was rebuilt many years ago and ran for a few hundred kms before the car was parked. I used to start it up once in while until about 5 years ago. I'll give it an oil and oil filter change before I try to swing it over again. I turned it over by hand before I dropped it into the car.

I'll try to make time to get the earth strap today as well.

[miniGTS]

Guessing the engine turns over by hand?

Yes it does. Tested that before dropping it into the car. I also had the head off and did a head gasket change. Checked and adjusted valve clearances, etc

[miniGTS]

After fitting the earth strap, I turned the key to test with a very quick turn and it seems to be resolved. Thank you all for pointing me in the right direction.

Next is to get the fuel tank in and start it up....