Forum:
Hi Everyone,
First time posting.
I need your help, please. My sportak (1997) is playing up for a couple of days now; sometimes it starts fine other times it often takes me over 45mins to get it started. It's not the battery as I just bought a brand spanking battery.
A friend of mine thought it was the starter, but when he took it out and have it looked at, I was told the starter was fine. The problem is totally driving me nuts and I may have to commit car thrashing/ murder if I don't find help soon.
Thank you for your time
SmoothEddy
Lack of detail.
More info needed .....
does the engine turn over?
does it fire and die?
does the starter clunk and fail to turn the engine ......
etc etc.
Sportak not starting
Hi Mace,
Many thanks you for your comment. I think it's the third option; the starter clunk, and clunk but it doesn't fire up the engine.
Thanks again
Tony
if starter "clicks" every
if starter "clicks" every time you try and start it but does not turn it over then look hard at starter and wireing to it. regards, kirk
Sportak not starting
Wow! many thanks everyone, I am simply blown away your inputs and suggestions. I have no real mechanical experience, can I take this to a dealership or a mechanic that will not charge me the earth to fix the problem. I live in London so any suggestion of the best place to go and have this fix would be appreciated.
Much appreciation
SmoothEddy
Electrical.
A 'clunk' at the starter:
1. The battery is too weak to twist the magnet/windings. The clunk is the solenoid engaging into the drive dog but cannot turn due to lack of battery amps. Did you fit the correct amp battery?
Either:
-- try starting with the aid of a jump lead from a proven good battery or jump lead it from another running car.
-- fully charge your own battery [assuming the battery has no failing plates and this will not show unless you get the battery tested to prove it is powering its amps,
-- or buy a new heavy duty 12v battery,
2. A loose battery connection. A loose or dirty lead contact between the battery and starter - remove/clean each connectipn. A corroded earth terminal at the chasis [starter earth to chasis] where the 12v battery lead is bolted to the chasis.
3. Starter motor is broken. You could test it by removing it from the car and connect it direct to the battery. If it spins then the starter is probably OK. If it 'clunk' it is knackered. Get it repaired or replaced.
so it does clunk/click then?
easy then solonoid, wirng connections, power input, earth.
Full of ideas but no time to do them!!
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It could also be the solonoid
It could also be the solonoid contacts which are dirty, worn, arced up or corroded.
With this happening it will work on the bench fine, but when put under a heavy load the contacts will not transmit the power required to the motor.
Try a local auto electrician
Try a local auto electrician who reconditions them, most will do repairs and on-load tests to prove the fault. If it is the contacts they can usually open the solonoid and reface them, or simply replace the solonoid with a new one.
In addition they can see the state of the commutator and brushes, if nothing else it would be prudent to replace the brushes.