Turn the key and dead!

[Crazypierre]

Hi everyone
Been using my yellow 1979 1300 CL without any problems for many years now but today, I drove to the shops, parked up, came back, turned the key and nothing.....

Not a click, not a slight turning over, just dead. The battery is new and checked it with a voltmeter and it's fine but at the electrodes and on the battery cable ends.

Got four burly lads out of the pub to give me a push start and it started no problems.

I think I know what the problem but would like to validate my diagnosis with you fellas.

Cheers in advance.
Pete

[c.a.c131]

Sounds like the ignition block

[Tas131]

Starter motor! I had similar symptoms recently, ended up being starter motor brushes were worn. Check you have 12 volts on the wire to the starter solenoid when ignition key turned to start, if yes it's a starter issue, if not, electrical issue elsewhere.

[jasonh131]

Contacts behind ignition barrel, mine happen in supermarket carpark 2 years ago had to hot wire it!

[Crazypierre]

Thanks.

I had not considered the ignition barrel.......

Mick
I will start with checking the starter motor. Is it under the carb?  But how do I get to the wires to put a voltmeter onto it.  I would have thought I'd have to put the car on ramps and get to it from underneath but I can't start it....

Jasonh
If it's the contacts behind the barrel, how do I get to those?

Thanks all, my car is stranded in my drive.......

Cheers
Peter

[jasonh131]

Try a cable streight from the starter main terminal to + battery teminal  .are there any dash lights? Ignition barrell behind coloum shroud

[Crazypierre]

Hi. Yes dashboard lights on. I tried knocking the starter to engage the brushes but no luck.
Peter

[Robert]

On a lighter side, read this: http://www.131mirafiori.com/smf/index.php?topic=5549.0

No great help, but fun reading.

But seriously: it might be your starter that's broken.

[Tas131]

Mick
I will start with checking the starter motor. Is it under the carb?  But how do I get to the wires to put a voltmeter onto it.
Cheers
Peter

Assuming you're running a twincam, it's under the inlet manifold, a torch and a mirror will give you a better idea of what you're up against. There is a wire that goes on to a spade terminal on the starter solenoid on top of the starter motor. If you pull the wire off, measure voltage between wire and ground while someone turns the key, you should get close to battery volts. If good your starter is suspect, if volts are low, ignition switch would be my next point to check.

[Crazypierre]

Thanks All.
Put a small hammer under there, gave the starter and solenoid a bit of a knocking with the small hammer and the car started........

could it be the brushes?

But when if didnt start there was no clicking sound.....which would indicate solenoid or ignition barrell

[jasonh131]

Just change the starter ,it is 30 years old