Sticky starter solenoid?

[SilverBeast]

Since I got my Special I have had intermittent starting issue.  The solenoid always clicks, but doesn't always crank the engine.  When this happens it doesn't even seem to be trying to turn the engine. There may be 3 or 4 goes with it just clicking then it will turn the engine over, for several seconds while it pumps the fuel if I haven't driven it for a while, and then start and run fine.  Subjectively it mainly seems to do it when it is cold.

My guess is the solenoid isn't always getting power, or maybe reduced power, to the starter motor.  I'm assuming that it could be "dirty contacts" on the power switching in the solenoid, or sticky solenoid movement, Has anyone else experienced this?  Can the solenoid be stripped and cleaned up? Is this likely to fix the issue.

It is the original style of starter motor, not a gear reduction starter.

Thanks, Richard

[jbcollier]

I would fit a starter relay in the rear compartment.

Right now the power goes from the battery - solenoid - all the way up to the ignition switch (small N wire) - then all the way back to the solenoid (WR wire).  Probably the issue is poor contacts in the ignition switch and/or poor connections along the way.  If you fit a relay then less than an amp flows through the switch contacts rather than the 25 or 30 required to run the pull in windings.

[surfguitar58]

I had this same symptom in my car. It was a ground issue. It (starter, window motors, lights, instruments...) is ALWAYS a ground issue.
Tom

[EuropaTC]

Hi Richard,
I would go with the "bad earth" as your starter  (see what I did there ?    ) before stripping it down.  I've attached the section on starters from the Lucas Diagnosis manual (the complete thing is too big) and that gives some pointers on what voltages, etc, you should find.
cheers
Brian

[jbcollier]

This can also happen if the brushes are worn.  There's enough of a current path to move the solenoid but not enough to work the starter.

There is a simple way to isolate the problem.  Jump the WR terminal right at the starter.  If the starter works, it's not a ground or internal issue so fit a relay or go through all the connections.  If the starter still clicks, use a jumper cable to ground the starter directly to the battery.  Still persists in clicking?  Replace/repair the starter.

[4129R]

I had a similar problem on another car.

It turned out the battery died very suddenly.

If all else fails, try jumping from another battery. As the battery space is very small, most modern car batteries just won't fit. Getting the Europa size battery into place is a challenge anyway.

[SilverBeast]

Thanks for all the suggestions,  and the Lucas starter motor diagnosis manual Brian.

It always starts eventually,  so I don't think it's the battery,  though it could of course be a combination of issues.

Hopefully I'll get chance to have a look at it this weekend.