Series 3 lightweight weak starter - but think it’s air related!?

Longstride · Jan 30, 2019

hi all,

My series 3 started to fail to turn over, so I put a new starter on it, it’s also got a new copy zenith carb.

Problem is the starter is slow/weak. However, with pedal depressed just right it’ll turn nicely. Or with air filter pipe removed from top of carb, turns easy as butter!

So I don’t think it’s the starter (or was ever the starter!) but seems more vacuum or air flow related???

Any thoughts? Cheers!

jamesmartin · Jan 30, 2019

it will be poor earth or lead if having the effect of choke fully on hinders cranking

Longstride · Jan 31, 2019

My first thought too but they’ve all been replaced! Brand new positive feed and negative earth to starter!

This weekend I’ll check them and buy a bigger new battery just in case.

So it’s not air related? It’s just that not enough power (due to earth or maybe battery) is available to starter to overcome the force required?

freelance · Jan 31, 2019

Quality starter, or cheap recon ?

Longstride · Jan 31, 2019

It’s not a recon, was a new starter costing over £100, but I’ll try the original with a new battery as I’ve cleaned it up and tested it now. Thanks.

Longstride · Jan 31, 2019

Update.... things have got worse

I bunked off work all day and swapped starter (newish one) for original Lucas one. Bench tested Lucas starter and it’s spins like an animal, more punchy than “new” one. Also put a very large brand new battery into landy.

Great fitted it into landy and she turned over once but now just clicks the solenoid.

I cannot spark the solenoid, and cannot turn starter with direct connection to battery. It’s gotta be the earth right? But starter has both original chassis earth plus a direct battery earth!

Took out Lucas it spins great on bench!

jamesmartin · Jan 31, 2019

Longstride said:
Update.... things have got worse

I bunked off work all day and swapped starter (newish one) for original Lucas one. Bench tested Lucas starter and it’s spins like an animal, more punchy than “new” one. Also put a very large brand new battery into landy.

Great fitted it into landy and she turned over once but now just clicks the solenoid.

I cannot spark the solenoid, and cannot turn starter with direct connection to battery. It’s gotta be the earth right? But starter has both original chassis earth plus a direct battery earth!

Took out Lucas it spins great on bench!

if youve got jumps leads use those as temp earths, engine to battery and try engine to chassis, battery to chassis

Longstride · Jan 31, 2019

jamesmartin said:
if youve got jumps leads use those as temp earths, engine to battery and try engine to chassis, battery to chassis

Quick cup of tea before I venture out to try this! Thanks

Longstride · Jan 31, 2019

Ok,

Even with direct jump cables to battery earth and to pos term on starter, NOTHING!

I think the starter must be shorted/broken internally now. The bench might have just been lucky!

Will swap it out tomorrow

Longstride · Feb 1, 2019

So.... problem fixed.

Both the original AND the newish starter had failed. Both span fine on a bench but failed in the landy.

Found a 3rd starter off another vehicle and she starts great now! Never trust the bench test!

Thanks for help!

Series 3 lightweight weak starter - but think it’s air related!?

Longstride

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jamesmartin

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Longstride

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freelance

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Longstride

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Longstride

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jamesmartin

Well-Known Member

Longstride

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Longstride

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Longstride

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