Ignition Problems

[bullzed]

So I've had my new hot motor in the Z for a while however when I try to start it, it sounds like the battery is dead. However when I jump start it, it still sounds like the battery is dead. I've tried two batteries in parallel and it still does the same thing, is this a problem because it's a high compression motor or does it sound like a starter motor problem?

 

It just slowly turns over about once a second and then all of a sudden will just fire, will a battery with a higher CCA help? It's getting a bit ridiculous because the car takes about a minute to start and wastes a hell of a lot of battery, don't want to hold everyone up on the QLD cruise!

[luvemfast]

Check the terminals and earth?

As a start anyway 

[Linton]

sounds like the starter needs an ohaul, back in the old days we used to fit a relay to the starter to get a full 12v at the solenoid

[Scoota G]

This can also be caused by a leaking head gasket, water in the cylinders can be real hard to compress.

[bullzed]

The terminals, wires and earth have been checked, they're all good. As for the head gasket, I know that it's alright it's not losing water. I'm thinking it may be the starter, we did take it apart and clean it however it may just be faulty full stop :S

[MaygZ]

Scoota may well be spot on there.  The easy way to check and therefore prove or disprove this posibility is to take out the plugs and then crank it - obviously after it's been sitting for a while.  It will be obvious if he's right.

 

After it's been running for a while, is it easier, harder or the same to start?

 

How many K's/hours have you got on the engine?  Is there a chance that your tolerances are a bit tight?

 

Have you tried short circuiting the starter?  ie: bypass the switch?  This should show if the starter is kerplunk or if it runs better, then then may be a voltage leak at the ignition switch??

 

Just a few thoughts, ones that you have probably already tried.

 

MaygZ

[garvice]

I think I still have an old starter and a reconditioned starter sitting around in the shed. Can bring it along on the cruise if you like.

Brad

[bullzed]

I'll try that test out tomorrow, it's actually a motor I got trucked up from Melbourne which I bought from Handsandwhich, it's fairly worked so I'm not sure how many k's it has on it.

 

I'll try the short circuit tomorrow and if it's the starter I'll take up your offer Brad! Thanks very much!

[Zedman240®]

If you have access or can even buy a cheap clamp meter to measure the amps while its cranking, that will give you a good indication of the health of the starter motor. From memory, about 280-300 amps is normal; anything higher and there could be an internal short drawing all the current. Or if you have a multimeter, put it across the battery while its cranking and check the voltage.. if it goes below 10.5 volts, battery is toast. But I'd check the starter first!

[bullzed]

Thanks Dimitri and everyone! I'll try this tomorrow and will update!

[Enzo]

Hi,

  Could be that your timing is advanced too far for initial start up. Loosen off the distributor lock screw and retard the timing a few degrees.

David.