Starter Motor?

Hi, i'm having a bit of trouble with the git  :x  Finally got the car on the road after its hibernation on the drive, i was away for 6 months, new tax, insurance and mot at the beginging of this week.  Went for a drive for the first time in ages, and i had completly forgoton the grin factor   . Shes been alright all week, but sounding a little rough starting, maybe taking a second from turning the key to firing. Then yesterday she didnt start at all. I bump started and it ran fine. I charged the battery over night, but still nothing this morning.

Anyones thoughts?

cheers

andy

I'd check the battery connections first and make sure your getting the full voltage to the starter motor.. you don't want to fork out for a new starter if it's the wiring

Is the starter turning at all?

Is your battery OK? If it is a sealed unit it may need replacing, if not, check the water levels inside. If it is empty, then it may have fried.

No the starter fails to do anything. But there is a "click" sound. The batterry is a bosch silver (a sealed unit?) which seems ok, lights, stereo and alarm are all working.

Going out now to test wires, should i just follow haynes in checking the terminals on the solenoid?

cheers

Follow the haynes manual.

I had a similar problem to yours when i had my Mk1 Escort.. turned out to be the solenoid and was under ?10

with the voltmeter, i got a 12v reading on the top terminal of the solenoid, then with the ignition on(as it says in haynes) i checked the lower terminal, and got nothing.
Am i checking right? with the red end of the voltmeter on the terminals and the black on the negative point on battery? sorry to sound stupid  ops:

Haven't done this test before but I'd say you'd be better putting the Red wire from the voltmeter to the live coming out of the solenoid and the black on the earth to the starter motor

that way you'll know the Live feed is good and the earth to the starter is good as well

ah ha!! i am so stupid! My friend Fonzy 8)  came by, tapped the starter moter and heyyy….. broom broom my car, she lives!

May well have to replace in the future but i'll drive it for now.  

cheers for help anyways,

andy