DavidAtkins Posted December 30, 2020 Share Posted December 30, 2020 So here is my first post ! I've had the Caterham for a couple of months now and have an issue with the starter motor - maybe. From cold, no problem, it turns over as normal. Restarting from hot - sometimes nothing. The starter motor and the solenoid are new as I guess the po had issues too. If anyone can shed any light on this for me i would be really grateful. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted December 30, 2020 Member Share Posted December 30, 2020 Welcome.Private Message sent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elie boone Posted December 30, 2020 Share Posted December 30, 2020 If the starter motor is not turning over while hot, i would start to check and clean all earth cables and + 12V cables see if they are not brittle. Did you tried to start with a cable from the solenoid direct to the battery in doing so bypassing the ign barrel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olgawld Posted December 30, 2020 Share Posted December 30, 2020 As Elie said if you're just getting silence when you turn the key check all connections for tightness or rust. You could try to put a heat shield around the starter as can get hot from the exhaust manifold on that side. If it's cranking but not firing check dizzy cap and all leads, coil etc. Check your tappets, valve clearances, make sure they're not too tight. If it's a mechanical fuel pump check that's working ok, maybe look at a facet pump upgrade if so. Could be a carb issue also. Just remember when you're in the cold garage and trying all sorts of different remedies and nothing is working...it's all part of the fun of ownership. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndrewE Posted December 30, 2020 Share Posted December 30, 2020 When you say 'sometimes nothing' do you mean not even any click from the solenoid? If that is the case then it is either the ignition switch or the solenoid (or the wiring between them). Just because the solenoid is new does not mean it is not faulty. There have been a lot of repo parts on the market that are not that good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidAtkins Posted December 31, 2020 Author Share Posted December 31, 2020 Thanks. I'm going to try all that and let you know. I'll try with the cable from the solenoid direct but it's not great weather for warming her up ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elie boone Posted December 31, 2020 Share Posted December 31, 2020 If your heat shield is to close to the starter motor it will contain the heat, better to fix a shield to the primary closest to the starter on top of some wrapping isolation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndrewE Posted December 31, 2020 Share Posted December 31, 2020 It cannot be the starter getting heated by the exhaust - it is on the opposite side of the engine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olgawld Posted December 31, 2020 Share Posted December 31, 2020 Unless I'm very confused they are on the same side of the engine and that side does get very hot. Wrapping the exhaust manifold will get the temperature down but if you do make sure you take your time and do it properly, can make things dangerously worse if not done well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndrewE Posted December 31, 2020 Share Posted December 31, 2020 There must be different versions. The starter on mine is under the carbs just in front of the drivers pedal box (RHD) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olgawld Posted December 31, 2020 Share Posted December 31, 2020 Oh right, on a xflow? Have you got the escort 4 speed gearbox? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tazio Posted December 31, 2020 Share Posted December 31, 2020 My 84 Sprint has the starter on the exhaust manifold side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndrewE Posted December 31, 2020 Share Posted December 31, 2020 Is that a cable clutch (mine is hydraulic)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sooty Posted January 1, 2021 Share Posted January 1, 2021 Check the tightness of the connections on the starter. There is a small spade connector that often seems to swell when warm and doesnt then excite the solenoid. A gentle squeeze with pliers so it a tight fit will sort it- you dont need to ask how I know Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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