Messages

Well, I finally sorted my car out.  The problem was indeed the starter motor.  Apparently, if you put the car away wet or damp and leave it for any length of time, then the starters have a habit of dieing.
   
   I followed the advice and installed a mini-high torque starter motor.  The replacement has the added benefit that you can now change starter motors without the pain of removing the engine or engine mount.
   
   I took a couple of photos to illustrate how you remove the OEM starter with the engine in situ (involves removing the right hand engine mounting).  So, if anyone needs to repeat the same exercise I can show you how.
   
   All the best and thanks to everyone for their suggestions and responses.
   
   Rick P.

I got my new rotors off Gerry Hawkridge at Hawkcars last summer.  He had them on the shelf and they were much cheaper than some other people I could mention.
   
   Regards to All
   
   Rick
   Two Greens

Thanks everyone for you advice but, regrettably, no dice.  I made up some special leads, bolted them directly to the starter and then to a variety of power sources including the battery off of my diesel Land Rover.  A few sparks but no indications of movement so looks like the starter is going to have to come off after all.
   Talking to Big Al at Thunder Road he assures me that it is possible to remove the starter with the engine in situ but you have remove the engine mounting to do it.  Glad it isn't summer otherwise I would be getting withdrawal symptoms being off the road.
   
   Regards to all
   Rick P.

Many thanks John - I'll have another play next weekend.
   Hope all is well.
   
   Regards
   Rick

Thanks All.  It does look like a complete pain in the .... so, as you suggest Jay, it has got to be worth another go.  Problems occur even with new batteries and it could have been that the jump starter pack wasn't fully charged.  Next weekend I'll try wiring another battery direct to the starter motor and see what happens....
   
   Regards to all
   Rick (Two Greens)

My first thought was that the problem might be the battery (was new last year)- I put it on charge for a couple of days but made no difference.  Tried jump starting but didn't help either.  Tried putting a jump lead directly from the negative terminal to the engine block to make sure the earth was good - still no avail.  Then started replacing parts - solenoid made no difference so changing the starter motor seems the next step... not looking forward to that at all!!
   
   I checked the starter motor in situ with a resistence meter - got an open circuit reading - does that sound right?
   
   Regards to All
   Rick

quote:Originally posted by Mark IV
   
This was covered before I think, do a search.
   

   
   Hi Mark,
   I did but didn't turn up anything - operator error perhaps?
   
   Regards
   Rick

They certainly did.  Mine is AK 1503.
   
   Kind Regards
   Two Greens

John, I followed your advice and had the rims refurbished by Spit & Polish when my car was in with Big Al for some work on the brakes.  Am a happy man again!
   
   Seasons Greetings to all
   
   Rick
   AKA Two Greens

Well, after umming and r'ing I sent two of my wheels away to a company in Herts to be diamond cut - they eventually came back and I am very disappointed.  The machining itself appears to be very good but the relacquering looks like it was done in a very dusty environment.  Can anyone recommend a way to remove wheel lacquer?
   
   Regards
   Rick

AKL,
   Big Al at Thunder Road should be able to tell you.
   
   Kind Regards
   Two Greens

Peter,
   I have just received them - they are great, just as per the one in the photos.
   
   Kind Regards
   Rick
   AKA Twogreens

Peter,
   I have ordered a number from the US - they are currently in transit.  If they are ok you can buy one from me.
   
   Regards
   Rick

Peter,
   Hopefully the pictures are attached.  It is a tough item to photograph properly!  The item I received seems indistinguishable for the original part.  The two small items in the plastic bag are the metal clips that retain the cap in the centre of the steering wheel.
   
   Regards
   Rick
   
   
   

Can someone remind me how to post photos on the forum please?
   
   Many thanks
   Rick