Cross Flow - Starter Motor / Ignition -that's my bet?

[7_Tea_7]

Hello,

95 1600 x-flow,  had for 23yrs, no engine mods, not raced, had been off the road for a bit in the past.   Of cause there are going to be problems.

Not starting.

Battery, 12.6V, lights on, no problem.  Turn the ignition key, maybe a click, maybe nothing. Come on quite recent, although occasionally before there has been the horrible grating gear noise when trying to start.

Can jump start it off a handy charger pack. Probably not good for it.  Nor is the greasiness round the starter motor area.

 

So in my not very informed opinion its going to be a new starter motor assembly. For which there seems I have quite a choice on which to spend my money on again.  Any thoughts?

Is this a DIY job?

 

And while I am at it, should I ditch the points and go to electronic ignition?

 

Thanks as usual

JJ

 

 

 

 

[Jonathan Kay]

"Can jump start it off a handy charger pack."

I recommend a bit more checking of the battery first.

Is it the sort where the fluids can be topped up?

What's the minimum voltage seen while trying to start?

Then I'd want to check all of the relevant cables and connections, including the engine earths. Inspect, wiggle, disconnect, clean, reconnect.

Jonathan

PS: I also recommend measuring the battery voltage at 3,000 rpm when you next get it started. This will tell us about the charging circuit.

[Jonathan Kay]

"So in my not very informed opinion its going to be a new starter motor assembly. For which there seems I have quite a choice on which to spend my money on again.  Any thoughts?

"Is this a DIY job?"

If it does come to this... yes. It's much easier if the mount and the terminal pattern are identical to the old one. And the old one might be repairable, which would ensure that they are. This can often be done locally.

Jonathan

PS: If you'd like an Assembly Guide and wiring diagram please send me a Private Message with your email address.

[7_Tea_7]

It's a banner and it's only a year old. 

But thank you, I will take those points on board. There is plenty to wiggle.

[OldAndrewE]

What type of starter do cars of that age have?  Photo?  Whatever the issue I would certainly ditch the points and go electronic.

[Jonathan Kay]

The most commonly recommended starter motor for that engine is probably the Pinto 2.0 L:
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=site:caterhamlotus7.club+crossflow+starter

But if does need to be replaced please post photos of the mount and terminal pattern.

Thanks

Jonathan

[jonsymons]

JJ,

Mines a 97 Xflow 1600.

When my distributor packed up earlier this year I was recommended changing to a 123 Ignition unit (https://123ignition.com/ ) but on reflection decided to keep it original with a replacement Aldon unit with there Ignitor. The guy at Aldon is called Paul on 01384 572553 and was very helpful - they still make the correct unit for our cars (ref 103FXYS-I Non Vac). I had is set up on a rolling road and runs really nicely.

Jon

[SM25T]

Is there an immobiliser connected when the car is standing ? A Banner battery will be drained in a couple of weeks if not disconnected from everything with a Master switch, or a cable removed from battery 

[HendrixsWhiteStratReturns]

Mine is a 90 Xflow SS 1700 - I would definitely go for the Aldon & Ignitor JJ, saves messing about with points

[7_Tea_7]

Thanks for the thoughts, will get a photo ASAP

No imobiliser, its still simple.

[Nigel Riches]

Hi J J, biff the points set up and go electronic, once set, and forget, no more messing with worn contact breakers.

Be aware not all starter motors are alike, do you have a "pre-engaged" or "inertia" type, you will need the same type if it is to be replaced, however your comment about starts ok with a jumper from a charger pack might be a clue, is the battery up to scratch?

Get a decent charger and give it the beans, some can carry out a recondition cycle on the battery, basically giving it a bit of a higher rate of charge to de-sulphate the plates, sounds more like a battery defect than starter motor, but also check the connections in the wiring, it is also important to be sure all the earth contacts are in good condition, all the battery volts are only as good as the return circuit.

I found this through Google, might be helpful.

  https://www.caterhamlotus7.club › forum › correct-starter-motor-xflow

Nave fun.

Nigel.

 

[7_Tea_7]

struggled loading the photo,, not pretty is it - I have just noticed that crack on the solenoid, also there is a stock number on it.

[Gridgway]

#11 I don't think you necc need to replace like with like or do you?  In the pinto single seater world, we have one inertia and one pre-engaged.  The pre-engaged one used to have an inertia one.

[rkeywood]

I think the ring gear might differ on the Kent engine. In any case I'd just get it refurb'd. I've had quite a few needing TLC over the years from both 7s and FFs and never had any that didn't come back good as new. 

[7_Tea_7]

Cheers folks,

So in conclusion.

I am not the best DIY'er, but.....

I think I will take it out myself and take it a refub'er, and put it back myself.

And change the points myself while I am at it.

[Jonathan Kay]

That would be my first choice for the starter. Please could you take some photos and look for part number etc while it's out.

But do you know any more about the condition of the battery and the charging circuit?

Thanks

Jonathan

[East Kent AR]

Disconnect the battery at both terminals before you do anything.

Piers