Stuck!!

[cal-look.net]

Decided to blow the cobwebs out of my IDAs this eve.

but . . .

turned the key, starter clunked then nothing, just lights on the dash dimming!


engine turns just fine with a spanner, but can't shift car in gear at all, tried rocking it to free it up but . . .


seized starter?

let me know what you think, and what to try!


Cheers,

Steve

[Paul Knight]

voltage drop? try shorting a screwdriver across the starter terminals (main power to solenoid). if that kicks the starter in, you may want to fit a relay to fed the solenoid (as detailed in the berg book!). basically, you use the original solenoid feed to trigger a relay, which switches power from the main live feed supply. a generic 12-volt switching relay will work fine btw
oh, and if this doesn't work, consider charging the battery (!) or overhauling the starter. greasing the shaft (oo-er!) might help, too!
best of luck
pk

[Russell]

slack earth on battery maybe ?

[Black Sheep]

I agree with paul you may want to whip the starter out and try it out on the bench with a set of jump leads , if the solenoids stuck you may be able to free it up .
 If all else fails I've got a new one on the bench you can have for £50 

[cal-look.net]

Cheers fellas, will have a poke around tomorrow eve.

Had a similar issue before setting off to Bug In, but a wire had dropped off - I blame the solid mounts!! - not this time though!

[cal-look.net]

OK, as always I feared something far more complicated than it was . . . 

I am a muppet . . .

After a failed attempt to charge my battery, I replaced it with a fresh Bosch Silver - The IDAs sang and the cobwebs are gone! 


Happy days.

Cheers fellas . . . I'll get my coat!