5 replies to this topic

[austinmayfair85]

Hi everyone,

My 1985 Mayfair has an intermittent starting issue. Most of the time it's fine, but on occasion I just get the "click" of the starter solenoid. I am running out of things to check over and so I'm seeking some pointers.

Things I have done:
Replaced the battery terminals and cleaned up the battery earth point.
Replaced the starter solenoid switch.
Checked battery voltage (never below 13V) and charged on repair mode overnight.
Checked starter motor connections.

Is there anything else I can look over?

[alpder]

Earth strap engine-to-body is worth checking.

 

Next time you get a 'click' but no action, try tapping the starter with a hammer. If that gets the starter to turn over, then chances are the issue is a stuck brush(es).

Edited by alpder, 05 January 2025 - 08:19 PM.

[68+86auto]

The starter relay (different to the solenoid) could be a cause. I'm assuming it's got a pre-engaged starter.

 

 

What I would start with is to check the voltages even though it starts most of the time:

 

1. Disable ignition

2. Measure voltage between starter battery terminal and starter case when cranking. This should be well above 9.6 in a mini.

3. Measure voltage between starter wide spade terminal and starter case when cranking. The voltage should be very similar to the previous test.

 

If either of these tests are bad you'll need to test the voltage drop across each lead and connection. Also if the voltage was above 9.6v there still could be voltage drop somewhere so it's best to do this further testing, it just takes a bit more time.

 

1. Test the voltage between the battery positive post and the starter solenoid output terminal when cranking. Anything above 0.5v is BAD.

2. Test the voltage between the battery negative post and the starter case when cranking. Anything above 0.5v is BAD.

 

If either of those tests show above 0.5v, there's excessive voltage drop between the two test points. Do the same test for each connection such as the battery terminals etc.

 

 

If you have clamp meter which can measure DC amps, there's more testing which can be done.

Edited by 68+86auto, 06 January 2025 - 01:35 AM.

[viz139]

I think 1985 would be an inertia starter with separate solenoid and no starter relay. If its the original starter ( 40 years old) I could be just brushes or a worn commutator . With the question marks over new parts these days I'd get it reconditioned locally.

[austinmayfair85]

Thanks everyone. Great help!

[coopertaz]

is it pre-engaged or inertia? inertia solenoids had a habit of rust behind them when they were fitted to the inner wing which causes this issue. Also agree with engine earth lead, although this usually leads to slow cranking as though battery low