1.6 CTi starting Issues... but not the motor?

[adybatt 1]

Hi all, 1989 1.6 CTi with an intermittent starting issue. Sometimes is fires straight up with one click of the ignition, and it mean not even a hesitation. Other times i hear the click of a relay, an electrical hum (as long as i keep the key held at starting position) but nothing else.

I suspected the starter motor, as this was the only thing not replaced during engine rebuild. Recently replaced with a new valeo unit, but it's still happening. Garage seemed to think i may have been supplied a faulty unit... but i'm still wondering if theres something else going on. 

 

i'm attaching a video of the issue. once it starts doing this, i generally remove the key and have another go, at some point it behaves and fires right up.

 

Does anyone have any guidance on what else i can check?

Many thanks

[PhilNW 43]

Quite common problem, probabaly wire from ignition switch to solenoid is dodgy. put a new one in parallel and isolate old one

Edited April 2 by PhilNW

[adybatt 1]

Thanks for the quick response, Phil. So this is a new live from the ignition switch to the starter motor? Thanks

[welshpug 1,654]

Usually no need to replace it all the way back, only as far as the plugs next to the steering column under the dash

[Gohn 68]

my starter motor has missed on two occassions now

sounds similar to the above although not sure if it clicked or not

 

my starter motor wire is in three sections:

1. ignition barrel to main fuse board

2. fuse board to glow plug control unit

3. glow plug unit to starter motor

 

- which section usually needs replacing ?

- is it corrosion getting in to the wire ends as mine look fine ?

 

also, the wire spade connector on the starter motor doesn't feel that secure, wondering if it wobbles about and effects the power from ignition ?

[adybatt 1]

apologies! i meant to update on this. when i finally got into it i found a small knick in one section of wire that had been taped, between the barrel and the first connector under the dash. i chopped back the cable and crimped on new spade connectors, pushing them onto the original connector. Since then, everything has been fine.

i'm attaching a couple of images.

strikes me as an annoying issue, and something like a connector could cause it? could well have been that in my case, as i did replace the crimps.

 

[welshpug 1,654]

that is likely evidence of an Alarm/immobiliser being removed at some point in its past