Maybe something, maybe nothing

[patsy]

My girlfriend and I bought a 11 month old Tamora in April, and it's been great fun. Never owned a TVR before, and I've been suprised at how much fun it's been. Niggles have been few and far between...until last week.

After fueling up the car, I went to start it, and virtually nothing happened. The starter motor barely turned over and it was though the battery had just gone completely flat. The RAC managed to jump start it, and it's been pretty fine since, although on a few occasions since, it's been a little laboured starting. My father says the compression on the engine is high which may mean that sometimes the starter motor struggles a bit, but I'm a bit baffled as to why it died the other day.

Is it just 'one of those things' that won't happen again or does anyone know of similar starting problems on Tams/350's?

Thanks all.

[sidpinup]

Hi

I had a problem like that when mine was new and actually got progressivly worse until it would cut out while driving. It was a wiring fault fixed (eventually) by the dealer. I think it was fuel pump control stuff.

Ed

[nubbin]

Sounds like a duff battery to me! Get that front wheel off and change it - or at least get down ther with a meter and see what the voltage drop is when you crank the engine - I think, if it drops to 12v or less (someone correct me for my possible ignorance) then your battery is shot.

PS - Welcome to the Tamora owners club!!

>> Edited by nubbin on Wednesday 14th July 13:06

[K.K.]

What voltage is displayed while you are driving? I think, while driving, my display shows the battery voltage at about 13.5

[patsy]

Thanks guys.

The dash reads around 13 - 13.5v but depends on the revs obviously.

I suspect a suspect battery, but I've been thrown by the fact it's only happened once. I think there's a drain on it somewhere. The car gets used every day, so it's not a case of lack of use.

The car is going back to the garage next week for a day or so, so I'll get them to look at it.

The Tamora owners club is a happy place to be...I won't let a lazy battery (or whatever it turns out to be!) spoil the fun. Off down to the Dordogne in early Sept and we both can't wait.

[maddog-uk]

Might see you around France in early september as well, we are heading down that way too!

If you are interested I contacted Eurotunnel who told me to book the car in as an above 1.85m vehicle to ensure it goes on the coach deck of the trains if you are taking that method of crossing. They said they totally understood the loading issues with TVR's!

[trefor]

maddog-uk said:

Might see you around France in early september as well, we are heading down that way too! If you are interested I contacted Eurotunnel who told me to book the car in as an above 1.85m vehicle to ensure it goes on the coach deck of the trains if you are taking that method of crossing. They said they totally understood the loading issues with TVR's!

I've never had a problem loading my fully loaded Chimaera (i.e. sagging bottom) onto the Chunnel train, and don't see any problem with the T350 - the ramps have very accomodating approach angles. If you don't like the look of a ramp they'll just direct you to the lower deck.