Duff starter?

Post by **Dave 6726** » Fri Jun 28, 2019 5:05 pm

Very basic q. here, gents:
Came to start SS1 1600 (Kirsty) and got the sticking effect, as if it had hit TDC somewhere and the starter just couldn't push past it. Tried again and got what I think was the solenoid chattering a bit feebly.
I seem to remember (last time this happened to me was forty years or so ago) this was a sign of a flat(tish) battery, so gave it about 15 hrs on charge. Tested battery and it was showing 12.8V.
Tried starter again : this time no chattering, just a big click but no turnover. Checked engine was moving by spanner on c/shaft pulley bolt and rocked it in gear in case of starter jamming. (Noted no good old-fashioned square end on the starter shaft!)
Tried starter again; high speed chatter from the solenoid, but otherwise nothing of note.
Bottom line: do I need a new starter (If yes, is the starter standard for Ford CVH 1600, or is it a Scim 'special'?), or is there something else I could check first?

TIA for any pointers

Post by **philhoward** » Fri Jun 28, 2019 5:45 pm

When you get the clunk or chattering what happens to the dash light(s) - do they go dim (or out)? I’m going to assume you’ve checked the tightness of the main connection points.

It does sound like a starter motor failure - given the age of the car it’s likely to be a Sierra unit (OHC/Pinto engine, not the CVH or DOHC version), if the bolts go in from the engine side.

Post by **Dave 6726** » Fri Jun 28, 2019 5:54 pm

Thanks for that, Phil.
I didn't notice what happened to the lights. Will check tomorrow and see where the bolts are while there.

Post by **peter freeman** » Fri Jun 28, 2019 6:45 pm

Don't you have a set of jump leads Dave ? with more than one car worth having and not expensive.

Post by **Old and Slow** » Fri Jun 28, 2019 7:56 pm

Before trying to start, put the headlights on; these should dim slightly when trying to start. If the lights go out completely then I'd suspect dirty battery terminals.

Post by **Dave 6726** » Fri Jun 28, 2019 8:34 pm

peter freeman wrote: ↑
Fri Jun 28, 2019 6:45 pm
Don't you have a set of jump leads Dave ?

I've two sets actually, Peter, but after the battery top up it was fine on a 'proper' battery (condition) tester, so I didn't bother trying a jump. Could bear it in mind if all else fails.

OaS: I'll try it the morrer - thanks.

Post by **Dave 6726** » Fri Jun 28, 2019 8:40 pm

philhoward wrote: ↑
Fri Jun 28, 2019 5:45 pm
...given the age of the car it’s likely to be a Sierra unit (OHC/Pinto engine, not the CVH or DOHC version), if the bolts go in from the engine side.

That's a new one on me, Phil, I've always assumed it to be CVH. What other indicators are there to confirm a Sierra one?

Post by **philhoward** » Fri Jun 28, 2019 9:13 pm

If you’re lucky there will be some identification on it but when you consider the motor bolts to the gearbox, not the engine, it makes sense..

Many years ago (late 90’s), I took my ailing one into my local motor factors who identified it immediately as a Sierra one, confirmed with the aid of a parts book.