Author Topic: Non starter - help!  (Read 1681 times)

Offline dougma

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Non starter - help!
« on: 17 May 2005, 13:48 »
 :sad:

I've had my 1982 1.8 Gti for 6 years and it has never let me down until the other day.  I tried to the start the car and the starter would not turn.  I could hear the relay clicking over and the soleniod clicking over, but the starter would not turn.  The battery is new, earth strap to the gearbox is new and the alternator brushes have been replaced.

It started when pushed and bump started and started fine for the next twenty or so starts.    I've ordered a new starter motor from German and Swedish and will fit it, but I've heard that some relays can cause problems and don't know where to start.

Has anyone had a similar problem?

Offline gibby

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Re: Non starter - help!
« Reply #1 on: 17 May 2005, 15:02 »
Sounds like the starter motor to me, if it was the fuel relay switch I don't think you'd be able to bump start it. Starter motors have brushes in them that spin dont they and the reason it starts for a while and then stops again might be due to the fact that the brushes don't make any contact at that certain point. Next time it happens try putting the car in 2nd and rocking it back and forth with the handbrake off until the starter clicks and then try it again, if it starts after rocking then I'd say it's deffo the starter motor.   
« Last Edit: 18 May 2005, 07:53 by gibby »
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Offline dougma

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Re: Non starter - help!
« Reply #2 on: 18 May 2005, 15:37 »
Thanks for the reply.  I tried rocking the car in 2nd gear to no avail.  I'll fit the new starter on Saturday and see if that cures it.  I hope so, I'm missing driving my baby.

Your cars look fantastic, most jealous....

Offline gibby

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Re: Non starter - help!
« Reply #3 on: 18 May 2005, 22:43 »
Did you rock the car back and forth until it clicks ? If not try again and rock it until it clicks and then the starter motor should have moved on a notch.  :undecided:

Your cars look fantastic, most jealous....

Thanks.  :smiley:

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Offline BobbyT

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Re: Non starter - help!
« Reply #4 on: 19 May 2005, 08:39 »
have you checked the cars main earth? once had a nova  :rolleyes: and the main earth lead went and it wouldnt start! would bump off though!
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Offline ronnie'C'

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Re: Non starter - help!
« Reply #5 on: 19 May 2005, 19:50 »
Hello mate, if you can bump start it then it is not any relays, fuel or other. Check you have a power supply to the starter and if you do then the only reasonable explanation is the starter motor. Very easy job to do, just make sure that all the wires are re-connected up properly.