Help required

[Gozza]

Hi all,

Recently I got into my mark 2 16v on a 1990 and it would not start. It had been really struggling to start before this and when it went I assumed it was the starter motor.

Fitted a new one today (well second hand, was tested and worked apparently) and still the same problem. I am getting a clicking sound from relay 67 in the fuse box and also a clicking from the distributor. I took the cap off and used a circuit tester and there is a spark coming from the middle thingy in the cap about once ever 2 seconds or so. Also the dash lights up the oil battery and temp lights and again they flash in line with the clicking

Anyone got any ideas ?

Thanks in advance.

[J.stafford16v]

The clicking noise is the solaniod on the starter, give it a smack with a piece of wood and a hammer. If it then starts after that motor is sh*gged aswell!!!

[Thom89]

Did you check battery condition? are all terminals tight?
Tom

[shaft69]

Sounds like duff battery to me mate!!

[turbodub]

Sounds like duff battery to me mate!!

I concur.

[Gozza]

Thanks for the quick replies.

I am unsure on the battery as was fitted when I bought it although all the terminals seemed tight at the time. When I bought the starter motor it came with the black thing on the side too so have replaced whole lot.

I thought it might be something to do with the earth I have heard a bit about before, where if trying to start and it starts badly it may be the earth to the gearbox or summat. Anyone know what this looks like/where its located ?  I can then take my working battery from my other car and try that if still does not work.

Again thanks in advance all.

[turbodub]

The earth is on the gearbox bellhousing. Follow the thick braided cable from the battery negative terminal and you should locate it quite easily. Try charging your battery and see if it makes a difference, might also want to check your alternator connections while you are there.

[Simpson]

aye thats sounds right check all earths to battery, and check charge with a mulitmeter 

[Gozza]

I will give this a go.

Out of interest, if it was the battery wouldn't the car just be very slow to turn over and then die ??

I hate the electrics on cars, always so many things that can go pete tong.

[turbodub]

I will give this a go.

Out of interest, if it was the battery wouldn't the car just be very slow to turn over and then die ??

I hate the electrics on cars, always so many things that can go pete tong.

No it won't. If the voltage drops below a certain level then the starter solenoid cannot activate and the starter will not turn at all.