Sluggish start after long run

[RichardF]

I've put this under "electrical" as I suspect the starter motor but would nonetheless be grateful for all suggestions/past experiences.
When cold, my car starts easily. However, after a long run, say 15 - 20 miles, trying to restart the engine immediatley after stopping gives the symptom of a flat battery where the engine will only turn over slowly - as though the battery is low and all energy is being taken by the starter motor and leaving none for actual ignition. Last time I managed to get it going by using "easy-start". Leave it to cool down somewhat for a few hours and it's fine. To assist in diagnosis: New radiator, engine does not overheat, new temp sender, gauge checked out okay, proper mix of coolant, ammeter shows +ve charge as normal. I do suspect the starter motor and/or the earth link maybe. All other suggestions will be gratefully received.

RichardF
Southampton

[David]

Richard, assuming the car is fitted with an AED, the first thing I would do is fit a manual choke. Warm starting problem will then disappear and fuel consumption will improve!

The gearing on these starter motors is really low, so if it starts 'on the button' when cold, you may not have noticed it before.

[RichardF]

David,

I knew I'd forget something. There is no AED on the engine; it is fitted with manual choke. The actual tuning of the engine seems pretty spot on. No pinking, no running on, plug electrodes light brown and in good condition. New oil and filter. I am wondering if the starter motor is getting too hot or the earth/feed cable to it suspect. These are the only things I can think of that I haven't yet checked.

Many thanks

RichardF
Southampton

[Phil Nottingham]

It does seem to be electrical to me - these starters do not go on forever!

Apart from starter motor brushes/faulty solenoid, it could also be the engine earths which are on the o/s under the the alternator to the subframe - another on the back of the gearbox, but not all seem to have these and the actual battery one to (rusty) floor. I doubt if its the battery eart but I always start withy the chaepest options before fitting reconditioned/new units

[Smallfry]

I had an intermittent problem like this with mine too. It turned out to be the electrical connections to the starter (the small ones) The cable itself had started to corrode.......fitted new terminals and soldered cured it for me.

It could be that as the engine will need more grunt to turn it when its hot rather than cold, due to increased compression pressures, that the brushes are on the last knockings ? This is a common problem on six cylinder Triumphs, due to the fact that the starters are not quite powerful enough even when new!

Most starter failures, and alternators come to that, are usually down to worn brushes. Could also possibly be the solenoid itself or the main power cables, both battery and earth strap due to corrosion causing high resistance. Try breaking and re making the connections as this often helps ?

Actually could be quite a lot of things ! Not much help am I ?

[RichardF]

Guys,

Many thanks. You have given me a few things to go on.

RichardF
Southampton