The Aubergine

[mds141]

Starter solenoid sticking? Try giving the starter motor a " gentle " tap with a metal bar.

[mat_fenwick]

The trigger wire is the small diameter wire that leads to a spade connector on the starter motor. I think it's yellow, but that doesn't really narrow it down! You really need a meter or a tester bulb, otherwise you're restricted to guesswork and visual checks.

[Mickey taker]

someone on here has mentioned a mod that may help you by putting a relay in the starter motor circuit to reduce the distance of wire between battery and starter ( i.e. not all the way to the ignition switch and back so avoiding power drop ) , I want to do this mod because it might help starting in general but need more details. I believe its the trigger wire you use to switch the relay but not sure where to mount the relay

[mat_fenwick]

The relay won't help the starter spin any faster, but if you have poor contacts (high resistance) in the ignition switch they may suffer a large enough voltage drop when trying to carry the starter solenoid current that the starter will not operate. There will be very little voltage drop to operate a relay, so fitting a relay can 'cure' the symptoms of a high resistance ignition switch, and will extend the life of a good one.

Two logical places in my mind to put the relay - firstly in a direct line from the battery to the starter solenoid, triggered by the existing trigger wire. Or, across the ignition switch so that the other items which don't have an ignition controlled relay (IIRC the only other high current items are the wipers and blower motor) also bypass the ignition switch. It also has the advantage of locating the relay somewhere dry.

[Mickey taker]

what size fuse would you recommend Mat ?

[TizzyD]

Try giving the starter motor a " gentle " tap with a metal bar.

What would be the best way to do this without fouling anything ?

[Mickey taker]

I use the handle end of a long screwdriver I have, it has a rubber grip but a metal end , a wheel brace would do as well

[mds141]

I've often used the handle off a trolley jack.

[Defender110]

I would be taking the starter motor off and giving it a good clean out with a steam cleaner follwed by a blast out with compressed air and light lube to the bendix shaft. This usuallygreatly prolongs the life of the starter.

[mat_fenwick]

what size fuse would you recommend Mat ?

I'd guesstimate something like 10A if just powering the starter, but I wouldn't add an extra fuse if putting a relay across the ignition switch. Reason being that all you're doing is replication the function of the ignition switch and most circuits are fused anyway. You don't want the potential of a fuse blowing to leave you with no engine, indicators or brake lights...

If tapping the starter next time it happens doesn't change anything then you'll have to investigate the wiring, otherwise it's just guesswork. Now if only you had a spares car...

[TizzyD]

Now if only you had a spares car...

There's a TD Xantia sat on the drive that I'm sure no one would miss . . .

[TizzyD]

Gave the starter motor a couple of "gentle" taps the other day and hadn't had any issues on start up on an everyday basis, I've just been out to start it up after not using it for a few days and having let everything settle down and it started up first turn of the key. So it may just have been the solenoid sticking but I'll be keeping an eye on it.

[mds141]

Result. Mum and Dads Austin 1100, circa 1974 ish, used to be a dicky starter and I always remember Dad giving the starter motor a "gentle " tap to get it going in the morning. Happy days.

[TizzyD]

It's been a while so just a little update.

First month of BX ownership down and it's been fun Went to the DSM rally and got some nice comments and enjoyed the run out to Wells (even if some of the roads were abit hairy sitting in the back) It was good to meet people and chat face to face and got some odd looks from a couple in a mainly gold DS Safari on the way home too

So the car, the starting issue has returned so I'm going to invest in a multimeter and do some poking around and I've got some vgc fog light units but just need to get some new bulbs for them.

So my current to do list (hopefully before ICCCR) :
1. Sort starting issue
2. New number plate
3. Fit fogs
4. Remover and repaint bumper inserts **

** What's the best way to remover the bumper inserts ? Just a flat blade screwdriver between them and the bumper and lever them out carefully ?

Also, can you change the barrels (and the silver domes on the outside) on the door locks without losing the central locking ? Just that I only have one working door lock and one key should the plip give up.

[mat_fenwick]

Also, can you change the barrels (and the silver domes on the outside) on the door locks without losing the central locking ? Just that I only have one working door lock and one key should the plip give up.

Yes, but good luck in finding a complete lock set (including ignition, glovebox and fuel filler) unless from a scrapper. Just a door lock set shouldn't be too difficult to find though, but personally mismatched keys *really* bug me!