Engine Turns Over Slow
Posted
#1464764
(In Topic #193820)
Old Timer
I have done an ABF conversion on my MK1, and connected it up to a battery, which is brand new but the engine turns really slow.
The starter motor was stuck, so gave it a little tap and it freed up, but the engine still turns slow and it would have no chance to start what so ever.
Everything else looks fine.
Any ideas?
Thanks
MK1 Golf - 1.3l Driver
MK1 Golf - 1.8 GTI (Build Thread - Here)
MK1 Golf - 1.8 GTI (Build Thread - Here)
Posted
Website Manager
Posted
Old Timer
Check earth return path too, not just the feed cables. It only takes one bad connection to cause this. (if the current finds an alternative route through smaller cables, it will cause serious havoc)
Clean connections with wire brush and apply a little grease prior to making connection.
Last edit: by Craigt
Posted
Old Timer
I have taken some photos of my earths, or where they terminate. The cables have been run by me, so I know there are not any broken cables.
Gearbox Strap
Rocker Earth
Battery Earth (Located In The Boot)
Rocker Earth
Unsure if any other specifically earth for firing?
Apologies, wiring isn't my strong point as my other threads suggest.
Thanks
David
MK1 Golf - 1.3l Driver
MK1 Golf - 1.8 GTI (Build Thread - Here)
MK1 Golf - 1.8 GTI (Build Thread - Here)
Posted
Local Hero
What length is the +12V lead from the battery to the starter motor, and what thickness is this wire? I don't suppose you checked the voltage AT THE STARTER MOTOR TERMINAL during trying to start the car?
Posted
Old Timer
paul_c said
Did you check the battery (voltage)?
What length is the +12V lead from the battery to the starter motor, and what thickness is this wire? I don't suppose you checked the voltage AT THE STARTER MOTOR TERMINAL during trying to start the car?
Hi Paul
Haven't checked the battery voltage, but it turns as slow with this new battery as it did an old one (I thought the old battery was knackered, so I bought this one).
The starter motor live goes from the starter to a nipple under the chassis leg, and then uses a thick live to the battery at the rear. The starter motor is the standard one.
Haven't checked voltage at the starter, but to be honest, electrics are my weakness.
MK1 Golf - 1.3l Driver
MK1 Golf - 1.8 GTI (Build Thread - Here)
MK1 Golf - 1.8 GTI (Build Thread - Here)
Posted
Old Timer
Do also note, if you've moved the battery to the boot, the cables were originally sized for very short runs. The voltage drop will be pretty big when turning over as the starter does take the largest amount of current in the whole car.
If it's still slow, then its down to the size of feed cable from the battery. Double this up and the problem should go away.
Posted
Website Manager
Posted
Settled In
Although with the battery moved to the boot wiring is more likely to be causing the problem.
My New Year's resolutions are: 1. Stop making lists. B. Be more consistent. 7. Learn to count.
Posted
Local Hero
wannabemk1owner said
paul_c said
Did you check the battery (voltage)?
What length is the +12V lead from the battery to the starter motor, and what thickness is this wire? I don't suppose you checked the voltage AT THE STARTER MOTOR TERMINAL during trying to start the car?
Hi Paul
Haven't checked the battery voltage, but it turns as slow with this new battery as it did an old one (I thought the old battery was knackered, so I bought this one).
The starter motor live goes from the starter to a nipple under the chassis leg, and then uses a thick live to the battery at the rear. The starter motor is the standard one.
Haven't checked voltage at the starter, but to be honest, electrics are my weakness.
Worth getting up to speed and actually measuring the voltage!!! Without measuring it, you're guessing at problems and with a much longer run of thick wiring from the battery to the starter motor, could end up costing a lot of money to buy/make a thick enough wire to do this without excessive voltage drop.
Pictures of the +12V side would help too. I notice you've not replaced/updated the battery terminal on the -ve side, the original Mk1 Golf item is a little bit weak and there's much better stuff out there, for example: http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/product.php/279/stud-nut-clamp
Posted
Local Hero
Posted
Settled In
1983 Golf GT 2.1 16V with throttles/1978 Golf LS 2.1 ABF with throttles/2008 Citi Storm 1.4i/2007 Hyundai Getz - my daily
Posted
Old Timer
paul_c said
wannabemk1owner said
paul_c said
Did you check the battery (voltage)?
What length is the +12V lead from the battery to the starter motor, and what thickness is this wire? I don't suppose you checked the voltage AT THE STARTER MOTOR TERMINAL during trying to start the car?
Hi Paul
Haven't checked the battery voltage, but it turns as slow with this new battery as it did an old one (I thought the old battery was knackered, so I bought this one).
The starter motor live goes from the starter to a nipple under the chassis leg, and then uses a thick live to the battery at the rear. The starter motor is the standard one.
Haven't checked voltage at the starter, but to be honest, electrics are my weakness.
Worth getting up to speed and actually measuring the voltage!!! Without measuring it, you're guessing at problems and with a much longer run of thick wiring from the battery to the starter motor, could end up costing a lot of money to buy/make a thick enough wire to do this without excessive voltage drop.
Pictures of the +12V side would help too. I notice you've not replaced/updated the battery terminal on the -ve side, the original Mk1 Golf item is a little bit weak and there's much better stuff out there, for example: http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/product.php/279/stud-nut-clamp
I need to spend a little time looking into things I guess, but unfortunately as wiring isn't my strong point at all, I tend to hit my head against a brick wall after no time at all.
Re the -ve side, I was just using what I had to make sure the engine worked, but will look at upgrading bits once it is running.
paul_c said
Also your battery appears not to be held down - is this right?
Correct, it isn't being put here, for testing purposes only.
I messed around with the earths a little earlier, and took the plugs out to make it easier to turn, and it sound like this…
MK1 Golf - 1.3l Driver
MK1 Golf - 1.8 GTI (Build Thread - Here)
MK1 Golf - 1.8 GTI (Build Thread - Here)
Posted
Local Hero
Posted
Local Hero
Posted
Local Hero
Later Mk1's cabriolets with more electrics (roof, windows) are fitted with the 075.
I'm just guessing…..
http://www.eurocarparts.com/car-battery
1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.
Posted
MOTY 2013
use cables off a bmw, they have nice terminal blocks at the engine side for the starter and alt cables
Hello my name is John and I'm a dub addict.
My wiring diagrams and other documents have moved here:
VAG Documents & Downloads
You'll need to sign into google/gmail for the link to work! (its free!)
My wiring diagrams and other documents have moved here:
VAG Documents & Downloads
You'll need to sign into google/gmail for the link to work! (its free!)
Posted
Old Timer
I haven't managed to yet, but I will be ordering a multi meter, however, I was tinkering today and to rule out any earth/positive issues, I used a long set of heavy duty leads from the battery to the starter motor, but there was no difference.
Surely, if the earths and positives were an issue, this would have overruled that?
Thanks again.
David
MK1 Golf - 1.3l Driver
MK1 Golf - 1.8 GTI (Build Thread - Here)
MK1 Golf - 1.8 GTI (Build Thread - Here)
Posted
Old Timer
I took the starter off today, and whilst it works, it sounds awfully notchey and screechy.
I think this may be the problem
MK1 Golf - 1.3l Driver
MK1 Golf - 1.8 GTI (Build Thread - Here)
MK1 Golf - 1.8 GTI (Build Thread - Here)
Posted
MOTY 2013
Hello my name is John and I'm a dub addict.
My wiring diagrams and other documents have moved here:
VAG Documents & Downloads
You'll need to sign into google/gmail for the link to work! (its free!)
My wiring diagrams and other documents have moved here:
VAG Documents & Downloads
You'll need to sign into google/gmail for the link to work! (its free!)
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