Starter Motor Problems

[simon clark]

Hi All,

During a trackday yesterday my Superlight R starter button was intermitant in working, on the first press it would simply make a clicking noise from the starter motor and then the second press would work as normal.

When I got back the clicking noise is all I could get. This noise is definately from the starter motor and it is "click....click" and thats it!

I have another trackday next week and I'm away at the weekend, so require some urgent advice. Any ideas whether it could be anything other than the starter motor itself and if I do need to get a starter motor, whats the best one available? I think you can get more durable ones than standard but IIRC they require a fixing kit which I won't have time for.

I have recently replace the FIA cut-off switch and am confident it is not this.

Many thanks

Simon

[Incorrigible]

Sound like the solenoid is clicking but not making good enough contact to fire up the starter motor.

One thing to check, the battery's OK isn't it ? and you are getting the full 12v to the motor ?

No advise on upgraded motors, sorry

[Shaun_E]

Simon,
Sounds like the well known "K-series click" - usually a problem with the solenoid wiring and often related to hot starting. Have a search on Blatchat in the Techtalk section and you will find some solutions. If you aren't a member of the Lotus Seven Club then you won't be able to post but you can search and read to your hearts content. If I get some time I'll see if I can find some relevant threads for you.
Shaun

[rubystone]

Also just check that the spade terminal on the solenoid isn't damaged. The vibrations in my SLR would frequently break the terminal - it's no fun trying to hold the remaining part of the terminal to the solenoid without burning the back of your hand on the hot exhaust manifold, believe me!

[simon clark]

Many thanks all, it was a loose connection, sorted by the AA in half an hour! result.....

[groomi]

I thought you used a pull cord to start a go-kart?

[murph7355]

Make sure you ask the AA man which connection it was.

As ruby says, this fault is an easy fix. Get some long needle nose pliers and keep some nomex race gloves in the car and you're sorted