Starting problems.

[johnjolly]

Good morning, my R4 hasn't been run for a few weeks and had a weak battery, I totally flattened it trying to start it. I recharged the battery, with one of those intelligent chargers and I'm confident it is holding a full charge. Now it will not turn over at all. The charge/ignition lights dim ever so,slightly when I turn the key, but very little. Anyone have ideas where to go from here? Any advice is very welcom. JJ

 

[johnjolly]

I've no idea why it's I this section!

 

[johnjolly]

Still will not turn over, is there a fuse somewhere that could have gone which is not allowing the current to the starter?
I just can't think what to look at next to get things going.

 

[malcolm]

I would try a new battery or jump starting from another car. The lights on the dash dimming are a sign the starter is trying to draw current but that current is not available from the battery.

 

[mr-reno-139]

Try tapping starter motor with hammer in case it has gone into hibernation

 

[André4Renaults]

Do things in a logical manner, or you'll become confused! Check the battery's fully charged and that the terminals are tight. Next check the terminals to the starter are tight and that the engine's lead to earth it to the car's frame is in good order. Then check the leads to the solenoid. Once these are done, if the car still doesn't turn over the starter might be in trouble...

 

[jjad]

Do you hear a click from the starter motor?

 

[johnjolly]

There is no click from the starter, and only minimal, very minimal dimming of ignition lights when I turn the key. I've checked connections they seem to be clean and tight.

 

[mr-reno-139]

Response from tapping it was ????

 

[johnjolly]

Thanks but no difference, I suppose it needs the starter removed with all the pain involved.

 

[mr-reno-139]

It may be easy job to remove starter motor but only if you've got a right-hand drive 845cc have you tried checking the connector plug which is half way down bulkhead which goes to starter motor
If you unplug this you can run a piece of wire similar thickness and feed 12v straight from battery + terminal to energise solenoid if it then turns over it is less effort than test8ng after removal

 

[johnjolly]

You've guessed, its LHD but I've had it out before and I realise what's involved, but I must admit I never thought about sending the current through that connector even though I'm aware of its presence. I will go out now and try it, thanks very much. JJ

 

[malcolm]

Did you try a set of jump leads from another car? Seems a bit of a coincidence the problem occurred after the battery went flat that's all.

 

[johnjolly]

Thanks Malcolm yes tried jump leads but more significantly I tried Paul's tip and the solenoid is dead. There
was no noise when I connected to the wire on inner wing. I've reached the end the starter is coming out tomorrow.
Thank you all for your help and suggestions. JJ

 

[Niels Svane]

I tried the same on my bmw K-bike, and it simply welded the points in the starter relay together and fried the battery :S ... The R4 is somewhat more forgiving than that at least I miss a kickstarter a bit again...

 

[mr-reno-139]

Can't remember if I've told this story on here or not but rather than retype it and facebook won't seem to let me copy and paste I will attach screenshots from my phone
This is what happens when you are on your own with no way of turning key and tapping starter at same time

 

[johnjolly]

OK starter motor is off the car. I think we should start a new category where we compete against each other to time difficult procedures involving mechanics. Start to on the bench for LHD Savanne 26 minutes. Considering I have hands like a Gorilla, and probably slightly less mechanical prowess, I'm quite pleased with that benchmark time for others to beat.
Anyway the starter is completely dead. No amount of differing combination of battery connection and jump leads results in anything but sparks. Obviously I need a replacement, so,if anyone he's such a thing or recommendation where to locate I'd be more than grateful.
Attached photo also showing tools required all 13mm.

Sequence I followed, disconnect battery, disconnect steering rod, remove engine bracket, three bolts holding starter, remove clutch cable braket

 

[johnjolly]

I posted by mistake as I tried to edit spelling and delete second picture, you see I'm always incompetent when I try to post on here, apologies. JJ

 

[mr-reno-139]

Haha the forum acts weird like that when you do anything involving pics I gave up and hope people don't notice
Although I did have to quickly delete an off topic pic I accidently attached
Excellent work getting starter off so quickly
You lose points for having all the correct tools to hand and you've done it before
I bought a bolk starter from Mr auto 3 yrs back still working fine 35 pounds including delivery from France
It is possible on rhd cars to avoid taking manifold off but replacing manifold gasket is usually worthwhile to help with running issues

 

[André4Renaults]

I don't know if this will help but I use a company in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire to refurbish all my starter motors, dynamos and alternators. They are called Unit Exchange & their address is 168, Aycliffe Road, BOREHAMWOOD, Hertforshire WD6 4EG. Tel: 020 8368 9971. They're on the net but I can't remember their web address. They'll be helpful over the phone and if they don't have one in stock they can rebuild the old one for you. If they can't/won't post parts I'm happy to assist (I live a few miles from them so can drop parts in & post them on)

PM me if I can help!