Starter motor just clicks

Post by **Gayno** » Thu Nov 14, 2013 2:39 pm

CrunchyAdams82 wrote:Battery might be knackered.

Hope not, it's only a couple years old.

Besides, tested it with my battery disconnected, and the jump leads across to the jump car effectively using that car's battery as if it were in the Prelude, still the same.

Post by **Gayno** » Thu Nov 14, 2013 2:40 pm

We also tried push starting it, as soon as I let the clutch up the car just halted like I'd slammed on the brakes. Didn't even attempt to turn over.

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Thu Nov 14, 2013 2:56 pm

Gayno wrote:We also tried push starting it, as soon as I let the clutch up the car just halted like I'd slammed on the brakes. Didn't even attempt to turn over.

Errr... That sounds like siezed engine/gearbox?!

When you try starting on the starter, is that with the clutch depressed, or up?

Post by **Gayno** » Thu Nov 14, 2013 2:58 pm

Depressed.

I can't see how it's seized though. The first attempt to start it did turn but slowly as the battery died. Then when trying to jump start it did this?!

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Thu Nov 14, 2013 3:01 pm

Gayno wrote:
NafemanNathan wrote:So when you tested it out of the car did the solenoid kick it out?
Umm, no, I only took the motor part off. When applying battery power the motor then spun freely.

When you try starting on the key, do the lights dim a bit as though the starter is drawing current?
I'm thinking (tied with my previous post) if the solenoid operates to engage the starter, you'll hear the click (solenoid engaging) but if it can't rotate, it would still draw current (which you should see by the dash lights dimming).

Post by **Gayno** » Thu Nov 14, 2013 3:04 pm

Yeah, very slightly they do.

I'm going to get a mate round with a tow rope to pull the car. It was just my dad pushing earlier and we didn't get up much speed.

Only problem I've got is car is now SORN, so can't take it off the driveway, so I have all of 10 yards to bump start the car!!

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Thu Nov 14, 2013 3:04 pm

Gayno wrote: Depressed

Ok not the gearbox then.

Could still be clutch?

Gayno wrote:I can't see how it's seized though. The first attempt to start it did turn but slowly as the battery died. Then when trying to jump start it did this?!

I agree, it sounds completely ridiculous and I thought I'd look like a complete knob for saying it! But from your description, that's what comes out???

Have you got a socket you can stick on the crank nut to try and turn it over by hand whilst in neutral, or with the clutch depressed?

If you can't turn it, then whip the plugs out to see if it's hydro-locked somehow???

(seriously, I can't actually believe it's a siezed engine...)

Post by **Gayno** » Thu Nov 14, 2013 3:06 pm

No, I don't have a socket that big, or extension long enough to reach.

The car moves fine in neutral, and in gear with clutch depressed (as proven by our attempt to bump start)

Damn, if engine is seized then it's game over. Car will be broken

Post by **Gayno** » Thu Nov 14, 2013 3:07 pm

wurlycorner wrote:(seriously, I can't actually believe it's a siezed engine...)

Don't worry, I've come to the same possibility of my own thinking.

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Thu Nov 14, 2013 3:08 pm

Gayno wrote: Damn, if engine is seized then it's game over. Car will be broken

Seriously though, I know I've said it, but I just can't believe that is the case. Surely!

Take the plugs out and check and then take the clutch stiffener plate off underneath to look into the bell housing and see if you can see anything jamming the flywheel?