Another warm starting issue...

[sparks03]

Sorry folks, have researched this one but not found anything that relates to the problem being experienced with my 89 Mk2 16v. It has the KR engine in it and is having a warm starting night-mare.

 From cold and after short journies the car starts brilliantly. However after a medium/ long journey it simply doesn't want to know. The electrics are working fine and it would appear there are no ignition issues. However it almost has the symptoms of a dead battery. A jump start will get it working again with just a couple of turn-overs. Without the power boost the starter motor simply whirrs and there is no turning of the engine.

 I've noticed that the engine block feels hot (perhaps abnormally so) after these types of journies. The fan does kick in but doesn't seem to stay on for all that long and i'm pretty certain that it shouldn't be warming up so much. Oil level is fine and coolant level is bob on.

 I'm a little bit confused as the problem has the hallmark of an electrical issue but once cool again the car starts fine. Bit confused really and any help much appreciated.

[mk2bal]

How long does it take to get hot, and how high does your water temp guage rise to? Also what does your oil temp get up to? I get 96 degs oil, and water sits halfway. Driven gently it stays like that all day as long as its moving.when thrashing it it goes upto 106-108 oil and 3/4mark water, where the fan kicks in.

[raferackstraw]

id be looking at the starter motor mate from the clicking issue, check the earth to the gearbox and give it a good clean, likewise with the wires to the starter motor, check voltage across batt terminals with engine at idle

[emery1990]

I'd look at the starter motor too mate, take all the leads off and give them a good clean, check everything you can on it before spending for a new one. Give it a bang with a something hard when it doesnt work, done this a few times at the petrol stations ! a bit  :embarassed:

[sparks03]

Howdy folks and thanks for the response.

 The car usually takes about five mins driving to get up to temperature, standing perhaps a little quicker. Water temp standing will rise to half way and remains constant with the fan kicking on and off. I've lost my MFA at the moment so not sure of the oil temp. Prior to losing it would sit at around 96 and climbed as high as 112 when giving it some beans.
 Will take a look at the leads around the starter, fingers crossed it'll give me a clue to what's going on!

Bump-starting on petrol fore-courts is order of the day 

[mk2bal]

yeah could well be starter etc, was just trying to guage what you meant by 'hot', as in overheating hot, or just a bit warm..

[sparks03]

Well just thought i'd update you with what has happened with the problem

 I've replaced the fuses controlling the radio, elec windows etc and guess what? No more warm starting issue. I've been under the bonnet quite a bit today as i've started brushing off the rust around the battery holder etc. ready for treatment. Its startling the amount of wiring within the vehicle that doesn't lead anywhere....