Series 3 WTF is wrong with starting this thing?

So, a few weeks ago I had the same problem I have now. I changed the battery and it all went away... until this morning.

It started as usual, on the thrid attempt, this morning at 7:00. It was very cold overnight and so I was happy it started so easily.

I drove 5 miles. Parked up for an hour and a half. Started first turn.

I drove 2 miles and parked in an underground car park for two hours. Started again. No problem.

I drove another few miles and stopped for a coffee. Went to start it and it turned over slowly a couple of times and then didn't have enough power to turn... and then, as I was holding it on start for a second I saw a wisp of smoke coming up from bonnet.

The smoke was coming from the starter motor, but smelt more like burning a bit of the oil that it's smothered in than an electrical smell.

QUestions are:

Why did it have plenty of power and then next to nothing?
Can not having enough power to turn the engine over put a bit of strain on the starter motor (*to the extent that it heats up)?

are you sure the wiring to starter is not getting hot and in need of replacing, resistance increases as wire ages

That is what I'm hoping for James. I'm sure fact that it's a bit of an oil-bath down there doesn't help either.

So, if that's the smoking problem, I still have an issue with the battery dropping power suddenly like that. The charge warning light has never lit up, and I know it works as far as it comes on when I turn the ignition on. (it's only about three weeks old, the battery that is)

if it is the wire or poor starter it will give effect of poor battery

True. Good thinking. I'll get the wire looked at asap and see how we fare. Cheers once again

You may also have a tired starter motor. If it is tired it'll start easily when engine warm but particularly difficult when cold. You could try dismantling and cleaning the armature and contacts. Be careful as it is a fiddle reassembling. A reconditioned starter is £70.00 plus vat and posting. You can get a partial refund if you return the old one.

had a similar problem with my chevy, if you tried to restart soon after turning off it was like the battery was flat, wait about 15 mins and it was normal. new battery lead solved the problem

Thanks guys. I stuck a multimeter on the battery this morning as I was driving past where I left it. 12.62v. So, probably, ok there - just wanted to be sure.

I'll find some time today to check the leads.

Edit: I'm not sure I want to take the motor apart myself. As you can probably see from my usually inane queries, I'm not reet good at technical stuff - complete newb really

Here's the thing. I had a few minutes earlier, so I ran up to the truck, pulled the bonnet, stuck a lump of wood down onto the motor and gave that a couple of firm knocks with a hammer... the stater motor turned over and it started.

What do we make of that?

Either the flywheel is worn or the starter motor pinion ring is worn or both are worn. Could be missing teeth. If the problem comes back its something around that. I'd guess the starter motor.

solvista said:

Here's the thing. I had a few minutes earlier, so I ran up to the truck, pulled the bonnet, stuck a lump of wood down onto the motor and gave that a couple of firm knocks with a hammer... the stater motor turned over and it started.

What do we make of that?

Click to expand...

petrol or diesel, brushes on the starter if petrol solenoid if diesel would be my first port of call

It's doing it on a hit-and-miss basis. It'll work a couple of times, then need a tap to jolt it into action.

It's diesel JM - solenoid on the side of the motor. The short link cable between the two has a copious amount of tape around it. Maybe it's been bodged and replacing it might help. I'm going to atart at the cheapest options first, I think.

Edit: Nothing really surprises me with this truck. The previous owner was a bit slack on maintenance - Axle grease in the swivel housings, dry gearbox, dry steering box, 3 inches of play on the steering, brake fluid peeing into the drums, different makes of brake cylinder on the front axle... I could continue. I love the bloody though.

Our forklift used to play tricks like that - its a pre-engaged starter too - took it off, there was too much smoke missing, and a new one, with all the smoke still inside, cured the problem.