QuestionQUESTION: Not sure if this model is sold in the US, but I doubt it is a very model-specific question anyway. Why I try to start it, the starter motor spins and I hear it clunk/ping every now and then, possibly as it tries to engage. I've had it out, and it SEEMS to be okay. Does anyone know what this could be?
ANSWER: This sounds like the drive gear is going out to fast, it should move out slowly allowing the teeth to engage and then a switch is tripped, powering the gear. I don't think it is a damaged ringgear but if it continues it is likely to cause damage. Did it just happen without warning and is it every time you operate the starter? I suspect you will need to replace the starter.
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QUESTION: Well, the guy tried to start it but we're pretty sure it was out of petrol at the time. The engine was running for a couple of seconds, then dying. But he held the starter going the entire time. We think that might have done it. Yes, its every time we try now. Will probably try to find a starter for it next week unless you can think of something else this might be?
Thanks for the quick reply, though!
ANSWER: It is the starter.
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QUESTION: Thanks! Fitted a new starter and it turns over fine now, but doesn't fire at all. We checked the spark plugs, but there is no spark. The plugs are new, we replaced them while we were at it (old ones didn’t work either, and had some carbon fouling). We've been trying to trace the problem, but not had much luck. One time, we aren't sure why, but the plug DID spark, and the engine fired. But it was just the once.
Cables seem fine and the voltage to the coil is okay. Looked over the distributor, and it looks okay, but probably should inspect it closer. My brother, who bought the car, spoke to a guy at the garage down the road about it, he said something about it possibly being a sensor. But he forgot what the guy said, exactly…so not much help there…
AnswerThe car has a crankshaft position sensor, it is usually above the flywheel. It has likely been disconnected in doing the starter. If you cannot find it, go to a spares dealer and ask them if they have it, when they look it up ask them to show you where it is fitted.
