Jan T Posted October 28, 2001 Share Posted October 28, 2001 I am stuck in deepest Kent (Hawkhurst and miles from S London) and my 1.8VVC will not start.I turn on the ignition, press the starter button and nothing happens, I can hear a click in the ECU and the electrics are live ie indicators and dials function. Any ideas gratefully received. Thanks Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick Day Posted October 28, 2001 Share Posted October 28, 2001 Are you sure you can hear a click from the ECU, it could be a click from the starter (overcooked) solenoid. Let everything cool down & try again. Check the ECU fuse as this can blow if you keep trying a dead starter. If everything is OK try a push start. Mick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Vine Posted October 28, 2001 Share Posted October 28, 2001 Sounds a bit like the problem I had on my 1.8SS in its early days. It's worth checking that the solenoid connection isn't a dry joint (it tends to get a bit overcooked after a hard run). If so, the permanent solution is get a fly-lead fitted, but in the meantime, try wiggling the solenoid power lead where it enters the starter, and then hit the starter button. JV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan T Posted October 28, 2001 Author Share Posted October 28, 2001 Now this is a bit embarrassing....whilst I was in the pub some 'kind' person turned the Ignition cut off key which I had stupidly left in place. Ooops....thanks to those who replied and sorry to a bit of a p**t. Jan PS lesson learnt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murph7355 Posted October 28, 2001 Share Posted October 28, 2001 Jan - are you *sure* it was the cut off key. Your electrics shouldn't work if it was (it should cut everything). Will be worth keeping an eye on it, and test the cut off key (take it out and see if lights etc work). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan T Posted October 28, 2001 Author Share Posted October 28, 2001 Andy Now you have me worried the indicators definitely worked and the ignition warning light came on! I shall investigate further. Cheers Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHRIS CLARK Posted October 28, 2001 Share Posted October 28, 2001 So which burger van were you hanging around then Jan? Glad to hear your little 'episode' had a happy ending! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan T Posted October 28, 2001 Author Share Posted October 28, 2001 Chris Oak and Ivy, Hawkhurst! Please stick to tech issues.....burger vans aren't tech there emotionalsmile.gif Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gridgway Posted October 28, 2001 Share Posted October 28, 2001 there seems to be 2 types of cutout wiring. That which cuts everything and that which only does the engine (and I assume fuel pump). No idea why! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EFA Posted October 28, 2001 Share Posted October 28, 2001 3 types - That which only cuts the starter motor (read POINTLESS: still a live big fat cable running through the car!!!) This is reportedly as designed on Counts new SL1600 Fat Arn The NOW PROVEN R500 Eaterid=red> See the Lotus Seven Club 4 Counties Area Website hereid=green> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick Day Posted October 29, 2001 Share Posted October 29, 2001 If so, the permanent solution is get a fly-lead fitted . John How is this wired? Mick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Vine Posted October 30, 2001 Share Posted October 30, 2001 Mick, I sent Caterham the starter, and they did the job under warranty. I can't remember now what the original (that is, Rover) connection was like, but basically, they replaced the terminal post (which had the dry joint) with a soldered-in lead of about 10" or so, and returned the starter to me. I simply connected the new lead to the existing power lead with a spade connector. No trouble since. I recall Len Unwin saying at the time that it was a known problem with Rover starters, which rather begs the question as to why Caterham didn't modify mine as a matter of course before shipping me the kit! Maybe later cars get the mod automatically.... JV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick Day Posted October 30, 2001 Share Posted October 30, 2001 John I had a new starter fitted in 1999 which is termed a "geared starter". Now Caterham standard issue I understand & very different from the original Ford part, although it suffers from the same malady when cooked! Was it this starter that Caterham modified? Mick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Vine Posted October 31, 2001 Share Posted October 31, 2001 Mick, I'm away from home (and my 7) right now, but I'll have a look later in the week and advise... John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Vine Posted November 9, 2001 Share Posted November 9, 2001 Mick, Well, I've now had a look at the starter but I can't tell what type (or even make) it is without taking it out. There are no obvious part numbers or codes visible. I've always assumed it was a Rover item, but from what you say, it's more likely to be Ford? Presumably, therefore, the flywheel and clutch assembly are both Ford as well? I know from recent bitter experience that the CRB is Ford! JV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jam Mad Posted November 9, 2001 Share Posted November 9, 2001 just to let you all know ( and remind you, jan ), this only happened because jan and i sat in his conservatory the other day, chatting about how basically reliable 7s are if well looked after. uh oh.... we're going away this weekend in the x flow.... confused.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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