Help!

[eventems]

Taking one of our Mavericks out early doors tomorrow morning so just been out to start it up and move it across the yard to kit it out and something's gone badly wrong...

Started fine, put the lights on and blower on to clear window and drove it approximately 20 foot. Turned lights and blower off, turned ignition off and then became aware of a loud noise coming from the engine bay. Sounded like a pump or a motor of some type. Popped the bonnet and the sound appeared to be coming from the lower left of engine bay, down below and behind the fuel pump. Stuck keys back in ignition and tried to start engine but wouldn't start. None of the dash lights dimmed or went out when turning the ignition, just nothing seemed to happen.

At this point for fear of something going bang, I ran indoors for the socket set to remove the positive battery terminal. Once removed the noise stopped. It didn't stop immediately, but tapered off over about 3-4 seconds, again possibly indicating a pump or motor.

It is raining pretty bad at the moment so I'm presuming its either water or something is earthing somewhere thats causing the problem. Don't know why it won't start though.

There's a lead with a thick black shroud on coming from the engine housing itself just behind the electrical connections for the fuel pump. This must have got quite hot as there was steam either coming from it or from behind it once I'd disconnected the battery.

Any ideas anyone??!! Firstly as to what it could be that was running on and secondly what could have caused it.

I'm stuck.

 

[Banshee]

Taking one of our Mavericks out early doors tomorrow morning so just been out to start it up and move it across the yard to kit it out and something's gone badly wrong...

Started fine, put the lights on and blower on to clear window and drove it approximately 20 foot. Turned lights and blower off, turned ignition off and then became aware of a loud noise coming from the engine bay. Sounded like a pump or a motor of some type. Popped the bonnet and the sound appeared to be coming from the lower left of engine bay, down below and behind the fuel pump. Stuck keys back in ignition and tried to start engine but wouldn't start. None of the dash lights dimmed or went out when turning the ignition, just nothing seemed to happen.

At this point for fear of something going bang, I ran indoors for the socket set to remove the positive battery terminal. Once removed the noise stopped. It didn't stop immediately, but tapered off over about 3-4 seconds, again possibly indicating a pump or motor.

It is raining pretty bad at the moment so I'm presuming its either water or something is earthing somewhere thats causing the problem. Don't know why it won't start though.

There's a lead with a thick black shroud on coming from the engine housing itself just behind the electrical connections for the fuel pump. This must have got quite hot as there was steam either coming from it or from behind it once I'd disconnected the battery.

Any ideas anyone??!! Firstly as to what it could be that was running on and secondly what could have caused it.

I'm stuck.

Sounds like starter motor to me mate

 

[R1cho]

yep starter

edit - the starter will smoke if it is stuck

 

[Banshee]

starter is on other side, wiper motor is on same side though

Left when standing at engine bay though or as if your sitting in the car?

 

[R1cho]

Left when standing at engine bay though or as if your sitting in the car?

edited my reply i read it wrong :lol

 

[Lazy-Ferret]

The area you are talking about is where the Starter motor is.

Purely a guess, but has the solenoid jammed in, keeping the starter motor energised... maybe a thump with a long rod and hammer, might free it.

 

[makeitfit]

Also as above but also could be the ignition key not returning properly. Worth a wiggle :thumbs

 

[eventems]

Yes, once I'd calmed down and started thinking straight, it did occur to me that its likely to be the starter motor.

If it was stuck on, would that prevent the engine from starting?

Off to find a big hammer now...

 

[solarman216]

yes defo starter motor, the solenoid contacts have welded together but probably means complete motor but you may get away with just a new solenoid, Rick

 

[Banshee]

Yes, once I'd calmed down and started thinking straight, it did occur to me that its likely to be the starter motor.

If it was stuck on, would that prevent the engine from starting?

Off to find a big hammer now...

What i'd be doing is whipping the rubber lining out of the wheel arch and checking the connections to the starter and then running that back up to the battery terminal

Then smash it something good with a hammer lol

If it is jammed would removing it and re-fitting it work?

 

[96terrano]

I got a new starter for about £80 from eBay, mine was sticking and making a howling/screaming noise when it bothered to work.

 

[R1cho]

if it is already smoking it is jammed good and proper, i'd just get a new one and replace it

 

[eventems]

Just been out to take another look.

As soon as I put the positive terminal back on, the motor started up.

Tried wiggling the key in the ignition first, with no effect.

Couple of taps with the rod and hammer, no effect.

Only took about 3 mins to do all the above, during that time I didn't notice anymore smoke or anything, just an awful noise.

Somehow I think sourcing a new motor and fitting it before 0500 in the morning is unlikely :-(

 

[makeitfit]

Well you can allways disconect the starter motor and then put the cable on to start it . needs must, you cant miss out on a day out
To start engine , sw off key, mole grip cable to battery, turn key, start, undo mole grips . Simples

 

[eventems]

Well you can allways disconect the starter motor and then put the cable on to start it . needs must, you cant miss out on a day out
To start engine , sw off key, mole grip cable to battery, turn key, start, undo mole grips . Simples

When the starter was stuck on and the ignition turned to start, the engine wouldn't start earlier. Still won't start now so not sure if that idea of yours would work, unless I misunderstand it...

 

[makeitfit]

oops didn't see the bit about not starting, time to sober up me thinks. I'm offski beds ville good luck

 

[solarman216]

take main lead of of starter and tow start, sorted for the day, Rick

 

[Banshee]

take main lead of of starter and tow start, sorted for the day, Rick

Unless it stalled lol

 

[eventems]

Cheers everyone for your help last night at silly o'clock!

Tried reconnecting the battery at 0430 this morning and the motor kicked in once again. Left the vehicle at home all day and on returning at 1800hrs earlier, I decided to the brave the snow and give it another go. On this occasion when I connected the battery, the starter motor made a loud pop and then went quiet. I left the battery connected and tried the key in the ignition and hey presto, started first time. I did notice however that the key didn't spring back from the start position very easily at all.

So those that suggested the ignition was at fault were entirely correct. As long as I make a conscious and deliberate effort to turn the key back a touch once the engine has started, all appears well. I'm presuming the pop I heard was the solenoid releasing.

I appear to have been pretty lucky that no permanent damage was done to the starter when it was stuck on.

Next question is, do I need a new ignition or is there some way of "freeing" it up?

Cheers guys, all much appreciated!

 

[Banshee]

Next question is, do I need a new ignition or is there some way of "freeing" it up?

When mine was playing up, I just took the connector off the bottom and sprayed WD40 on it and then inserted a straw into the barrel and gave that a blast as well and mine has been fine ever since

Mine was cutting the engine out after it had started if I turned the key to it's full travel, I initially thought that my problem was a starter motor issue