1.3 GF No Cranking When Hot

Hi all, just wondered if anybody had come across this fault before?
FAULT:
After engine has been idling for a long period or after a few small journies in traffic etc, the beast fails to turn over, turn the key and can hear the relay click but just won't turn over. It does seem that I have to turn the key further these days to get to crank position? So was poss thinking possable ignition switch, but then I can hear the relay? Poss starter/wiring fault? fuse board fault?

I just thought I'd ask before I start ripping things apart, also the wire has snapped off my multimeter.
Many thanks in advance.

Chances are its the starter solenoid itself

I've had that problem a couple of times before and both times its turned out to be the starter. They don't like getting too hot so if you're mk1 has overheated in traffic or being stood still running it does affect warm starts.


Replace the starter and try and address any cooling issues if you have any.

cheers Phataz1, I thought that maybe the case because if its left for half hour then it starts fine, thing is the fan cuts in and out and temp gauge reads normal, the only concern I can think of is the manifold heating pipe that runs up beside the starter. I shall strip the starter apart this evening and have a clean up. thanks again.

Ahh yes of course! The inlet preheat pipe! You could be on the money with that

I havent had any starting problems since changing my setup to run without that preheat pipe so I would also imagine that you are correct with that assumption 8)

You could heat wrap it, or get rid, or numerous other options

twas the ignition switch. I took it apart (big mistake that was) and removed the burning from connections and switch plate, eventualy got it back together and been perfect since. I do have a new switch though for when the inevitable happens.