James_Russell Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 had to use the trailer this weekend to rescue a friend's car- and in order to do so, had to get the caterham off the trailer. The 7 has been sat there unused for a month, with the FIA switch removed. I put the FIA switch and the ignition key in and noticed the fuel pump didn't chatter away happily like it usually does, it sounded decidedly lethargic. When I press the starter button it all simply falls silent. Not a sound from the starter motor at all. Multimeter says the battery has 13.6v which is lovely. I haven't managed to get a reading across the terminals with the car 'attempting' to start as there is only one of me! I do all my own mechanical work but lectrics not a strong point- any tips? Q41 ACF Classic #98 My Race Videos Here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blade_runner Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 Pop the headlights on, attempt to start car, if headlights and dash lights go out as you try and crank, then the battery is prob flat or faulty. If headlights stay bright it may be a starter problem. sounds like a flat battery to me tho. Edited by - blade_runner on 12 Dec 2010 16:15:52 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick Day Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 My money's on the FIA switch &/or dodgy earth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James_Russell Posted December 12, 2010 Author Share Posted December 12, 2010 Update: started the car... but only just- it didn't turn over as happily as it usually does despite being connected to a two-litre diesel mondeo. The battery shows 13.6v (does this mean its ok?). It is only two years old so I'd hope it hasn't failed just yet (banner). I'm going to investigate Mick's suggestions as it seems to me that there must be some impedance somewhere which is restricting the cranking current... Q41 ACF Classic #98 My Race Videos Here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stationary M25 Traveller Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 Check both ends of all the fat cables ..... Especially the earths on the engine and chassis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lurk Posted December 19, 2010 Share Posted December 19, 2010 Don't most diesel's work on a different voltage to petrols? Hope you've not damaged either battery when you connected them? (had fun and games with a subarau and a diesel golf up a french mountain when this issue cropped up............) _______________ Lurking in the background since 2001 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stationary M25 Traveller Posted December 19, 2010 Share Posted December 19, 2010 Same voltage .... ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brucey Posted December 19, 2010 Share Posted December 19, 2010 Just a thought...... Does your car have an Apollo Tank? If it does, have you fitted a one way valve in the breather pipe to prevent wet sumping? Bruce. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now