Trick for non-starting car

[bahama68]

Stopped for petrol on the way back from Goodwood and my car wouldn't start back up. Fuel pump going but nothing else. Same happened the night before, for the first time, but I left the car for an hour and it started when I returned.

Called out the breakdown people and the guy told me to put it in 2nd, take the handbrake off and rock the car back and forth. Tried it again and it started first time. Turns out there's something up with my starter motor, so I've checked it in to get fixed/replaced (Hopefully that is all it is).

Anyone ever done this before?

Anyway, thought this might be of use to someone else if it happens to them.

John.

[Alan @ CanfordClassics]

It sounds like the solenoid on the starter motor was sticking. Putting it in gear and rocking the car helps release it.

Alan

[Lightweight_911]

Used to be a std procedure if/when the starter motor 'stuck' - used to put it in 4th gear though.

[Nige]

used to have to this occasionaly with by Bug, never bothered fixing it.

Also if you got a blocked/jammed fuel pump, swap the connection over so it runs in reverse clearing the pump of any debris, RAC man showed me that one when I was stranded at Sainsburys, got my frozens home safe and sound.

[bahama68]

Does that mean it will work everytime, i.e I don't need to get it sorted?

[Nige]

depends how bad it is, it used to only happen occasionaly, say every other month, just pop it in gear and rock it forward an inch or two and away we go.

[davidppp]

This may be very simple..ie sticky solenoid..or nasty..

If left for a while the ring gear getys badly mangled..

It can also be caused by the starter installed on a cock, or loose bolts..all bad news I'm afraid..

What I'd do it immediately remove the startter , and look for signs of damage on the ring gear.

If this and the pinion look good, and the solenoid moves freeley, I'd lubricate with a dry film type moly spray, clean its mating faces reinstall it very cleanly and hope for the best..

Its possible to rotate the ring gear of course so as to even out the wear ( engines like to stop in the same place very often) .Not on the 2L flywheel of course..

Kind regards
david

[FLY 7]

Called out the breakdown people and the guy told me to put it in 2nd, take the handbrake off and rock the car back and forth. Tried it again and it started first time. Turns out there's something up with my starter motor, so I've checked it in to get fixed/replaced (Hopefully that is all it is).


John.

Hence the expression - 'bump start'.

[higs356]

I once had a mini which came with a hammer in the engine bay to un-stick the starter motor... its a common fault with minis ... always worked and allowed you to get angry with the car without making it worse