starting problem...

[robgclio]

was out tonight driving around, turned off the engine came back to it a bit later to start it and it sounds like the starter motor is spinning. it doesnt turn the engine over atall. it bump starts first time tho. the first time it did it was last night but then it started second key turn so i didnt think anything of it. did it a couple more times but always started. now there is nothing. any chance as it gradually got colder its done something? any ideas as whats gone wrong as my dad says the starter motor never just packs up like that? :S

 

[mtclio172]

does it click? if so battery

 

[robgclio]

na its not clicking, it sounds to me like its spinning but not catching. battery is fine

 

[NWPerformance]

Give the motor a hit with a rubber mallet.

 

[VXR killer]

well if the starter is spinning then the engine is turning over, with all the cold weather its probably is the battery

 

[NWPerformance]

^^^ the starter motor can turn over without engaging. The teeth might not be engaging on the fly-wheel e.g jammed.

 

[mini-valver]

Solenoid sticking probably. As above, hit it with something!

 

[VXR killer]

never experienced it so wouldnt know, probably solenoid in the starter sticking

 

[robgclio]

yeh someone on another forum mentioned the solenoid, and it says about that in the haynes manual. its definately not the battery as all lights and radio are working fine. my local scrapyard is a 5 minute drive away so il go up tomorro and nick a new solenoid

 

[NWPerformance]

You dont have to scrap it just because it wont start