Herald 13/60 occasional starting problem

[piran]

So my herald has started a new problem: usually it starts first time, but it's now sometimes the lights go on everything looks normal but nothing happens when I try to start (no click or anything) I'll then switch back to off and try again and it will start first time. Any ideas?

[dannyb]

Sounds like the starter solenoid. That's the first place I would look. Have you the type with the manual starter button on.

Danny

[johny]

yes not so easy to find especially as it doesnt always do it! As Danny says could be solenoid (so worth checking its connections and earthing are good) but could also be the contact in the ignition switch playing up...

However other than replacing components the only way I can see is to install a temporary circuit tester. You could run a wire from the operating terminal of the solenoid (should have a red/white wire on it) into the cabin and use it to power a small bulb connected to earth. Then each time you start it should light up as the starter motor turns so, depending on if it does or doesnt when you get another failed start, youll know if the problem is the ignition switch/wiring or the solenoid👍

 

[piran]

Yes my solenoid has a button on it.

I've tried replacing the ignition switch which hasn't made a difference, I'll see if I can wire up a bulb, 

Thanks

[johny]

I suppose it could be a wire from the switch to the solenoid but more likely is the solenoid itself. If the first bulb test shows no problem you can connect the temporary wire onto the outgoing large wire at the solenoid (going to starter motor) and repeat to confirm if the solenoid is failing sometimes....

[Pete Lewis]

less techy idea  use an old screwdriver and use it to short across the two solenoid terminal posts 

with ignition on jump the terminals  if it operates the starter the solenoid is in trouble .

you will get a few sparks  !!!

Pete

 

[johny]

This is an intermittent problem though Pete, we know the solenoid and the rest of the system is ok at least some of the time....

[Colin Lindsay]

It's more difficult when it's intermittent, as it's not unknown for a solenoid to fail sometimes and make contact other times, usually down to dirt or corrosion. The starter itself can also stick intermittently, or the contacts on the ignition key may also fail. Shorting the solenoid as Pete says will rule out the starter. For the other components it's a case of test or replace each in turn. 

Does it work better with a fully charged battery?

[martyn wright]

My Vitesse 6 did the same and it had a push button Solenoid! So I changed it for the square type Solenoid without the button and it worked fine! (Starts on the Button!!)