7_Tea_7 Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 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 usualJJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted October 31, 2022 Member Share Posted October 31, 2022 "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.JonathanPS: 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted October 31, 2022 Member Share Posted October 31, 2022 "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.JonathanPS: If you'd like an Assembly Guide and wiring diagram please send me a Private Message with your email address. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7_Tea_7 Posted October 31, 2022 Author Share Posted October 31, 2022 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndrewE Posted October 31, 2022 Share Posted October 31, 2022 What type of starter do cars of that age have? Photo? Whatever the issue I would certainly ditch the points and go electronic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted October 31, 2022 Member Share Posted October 31, 2022 The most commonly recommended starter motor for that engine is probably the Pinto 2.0 L: https://duckduckgo.com/?q=site:caterhamlotus7.club+crossflow+starterBut if does need to be replaced please post photos of the mount and terminal pattern.ThanksJonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative jonsymons Posted November 1, 2022 Area Representative Share Posted November 1, 2022 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SM25T Posted November 1, 2022 Share Posted November 1, 2022 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HendrixsWhiteStratReturns Posted November 1, 2022 Share Posted November 1, 2022 Mine is a 90 Xflow SS 1700 - I would definitely go for the Aldon & Ignitor JJ, saves messing about with points Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7_Tea_7 Posted November 2, 2022 Author Share Posted November 2, 2022 Thanks for the thoughts, will get a photo ASAPNo imobiliser, its still simple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Riches Posted November 2, 2022 Share Posted November 2, 2022 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-xflowNave fun.Nigel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7_Tea_7 Posted November 4, 2022 Author Share Posted November 4, 2022 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gridgway Posted November 4, 2022 Share Posted November 4, 2022 #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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkeywood Posted November 4, 2022 Share Posted November 4, 2022 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7_Tea_7 Posted November 6, 2022 Author Share Posted November 6, 2022 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Jonathan Kay Posted November 6, 2022 Member Share Posted November 6, 2022 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?ThanksJonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
East Kent AR Posted November 6, 2022 Share Posted November 6, 2022 Disconnect the battery at both terminals before you do anything.Piers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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