very irritating starting problem.

[druid]

I pulled into my local garage yesterday.
Got some bits n bobs
went to start the car and nothing.
The lights all come on but the engine would not turnover.

I ended up leaving the car at the garage.
Ive been back today and tried to give it a jump from my van.  No Joy
It makes no difference.

at first i thought it was a problem with my imobalisor as if you dont disarm it, it wont allow you to turn over the engine.

Ive reset the imob. and still no joy.

Ive narrowed it down to the starter motor.

Has anyone else had this problem?

What did you do?

any ideas??

Cheers

[Gambit]

surely if it was a starter problem then it would have started when you jump started it

[druid]

Sorry wires crossed.

I connected it to the battery from my van to try and boost the power to get it to turn over.

This didnt help though.

Im gonna try and give it a bump start when i can get a couple of mates down to help.
That way i will know if it will fire up or not.

[Gambit]

the starter pinion is jammed.

if you put the car into reverse and rock it back n forth it should releaase. or hit the starter a whack with a hammer

[druid]

Ive tried rocking the car backwards and forwards.

Ill give it a whack with a hammer when i get back.

Is the Pinion getting stuck a common problem with the mk2??

Do you think that this is the likely problem?

Cheers Drew

[Gambit]

its just a case of old car old parts syndrome!!

[druid]

yeah I know what you mean my car is 17 years old......

Thanks for your help mate.

[action al]

I had this problem with my 16v in the summer.
The solenoid would stick in the starter and over heat. Would start for ages. Had to leave it to cool down for ages before it would go again. Whacking it with a hammer sometimes worked. But I got stranded that many times I bit the bullet and bought a recon one from GSF, turned out to be a Bosch one but wasn't in bosch packaging, was only about 60 or 70 quid I think.
Was worth it to get going again, haven't had that problem since, but the starter looked like it had been there since new, 14 years ago

[druid]

Ive sourced one from the breakers for ?15
not bad at all.

Al i got a manifold sorted too.  (cheers anyway)

Im still having to bump start it at the moment but at least im keeping the motor turning over....

I would still like those other bits off you al.
The trim and rear boot lifters there was some other bits too if i remember.
Cheers

[action al]

Ive sourced one from the breakers for ?15
not bad at all.

Al i got a manifold sorted too.? (cheers anyway)

Im still having to bump start it at the moment but at least im keeping the motor turning over....

I would still like those other bits off you al.
The trim and rear boot lifters there was some other bits too if i remember.
Cheers

I'm glad you got the manifold as I still haven't managed to get it off yet!

I'll prob get stuck into the car this weekend, the rear brake calipers, and maybe you need an alternator or battery aswell! I've got plenty of spares left so let me know what else you might need!