Drobins@aol.com (Dennis) writes
<Car starts fine, I drive for 30 minutes or so, go into a 7/11 for a slurpee
<and when I return the car doesn't want to start. I have to turn the key
<several times before the starter engages. This only happens when its been
<running a good while.. Any suggestions?
Dirk responded....
My first guess would be that the heat of the engine causes evaporation
of the fuel in the float bowls of the carbs. Check whether there is a
heat shield and if there is, whether it is intact. Sometimes you find
that the metal shield is still there but that the asbestos is gone.
The reason for the increase in engine compartment temperature is that
there is no significant coolant flow and air flow after you turn off
the engine. Heat, however, continues to flow from the hot core of the
engine to its surroundings. On my MGB I always find that the engine
temperature increases temporarily after I switch off the engine. The
increase in temperature after engine shutt-off might just be
sufficient to cause problems.
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I have to disagree. Drobins said that the starter wouldn't engage. Whilst
engine heat might possibly cause fuel evaporation this cannot prevent the
starter motor from turning/ engaging. The question we all (probably ) will
ask of you is does the starter do nothing at all or does it click and
fail to engage?
If it does nothing then check all the wiring and the solenoid connections.
Maybe the engines earth straps don't conduct properly. Look for green/white
gloop at the earth strap bolts. This might well only show up after running.
If the starter solenoid clicks ( tries to engage ) but the motor doesn't turn
then you'll have to strip down the starter and clean it. No oil on the bendix
shaft remember ( thousands of shouts of NO no nooo I do it this way... )
If all else fails can I suggest that you carry a large wooden mallet.
A friend of mine's family had a Sherpa van. The starter stuck occasionally.
All family members ( even his Mum) got adept at hitting the starter with this
mallet. They carried it in the glove box.
Happy starter bashing.
Duncan.
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