[Joe90GT]

I've had an issue with the starting on mine recently, occasionally when I turn the key and absolutely nothing happens, no clicks, dimming lights etc, its OK after a few turns on the key, I fitted the starter relay system a year or so back - is it likely to be the relay or the ignition switch - maybe terminals that need cleaning? - if so is it easy to get to the contacts to clean or just easier to spray some contact cleaner into the barrel
Thanks

 

[swallow]

A little contact cleaner into the barrel would be a good first step but "little" being the operative word. For a "captive" switch such as the ignition, my approach would be to spray in a little contact cleaner, wait 30 mins, then spray in a larger dose of ipa170 servisol (available at maplins) to phsically flush out dirt/debris/stickiness/corrosion - and then leave it overnight.

I'm not looking at an ignition switch as I write, so can't remember if they have a flap/barrier in the top where the key is inserted - if it does, wedge it open with a small screwdriver

Once all the ipa170 has evaporated, a final and very small dose of contact cleaner & another short period of waiting for things to dry out/evaporate.

All of the above in a warm location to speed up the evaporation and obviously with the battery disconnected throughout....

I'm a bit of an advocate for ipa170 - use it on all sorts of things from cleaning camera sensors, circuit boards to much more mechanical things - it doesn't hurt most plastics, electrics and disappears quickly with no trace.

 

[Top Down]

I'd start by trying to isolate where the fault is. Either a 12V meter or a simple test lamp is all is needed.

Clip your meter or tester between each terminal and earth in turn working from the ignition switch forward. What this wont tell you though is if you have a bad earth, either between the battery and the body or between the body and engine. You will need a meter set to OHM's to see if there is any resistance there.

 

[spiderserie4]

if you didn't have a relay fitted, I'd have said it was the ign switch (and might well be just the same)...
Since you have a relay, that'd be the first thing to check, they are only a couple of quid...or remove relay and wire up as before.

....I carry a spare starter relay, just for this reason, so I don't tear the car apart only find out it is a dodgy relay

 

[Joe90GT]

Thanks for the suggestions y'all - I'd like to test it when it fails but I'm always about to go somewhere so keep trying until it works... but I will replace the relay - thanks Dom

 

[Joe90GT]

Update: came to bit of a head today when it just wouldn't turn over, I listened more closely and could hear the relay clicking so its sounds like the starter is on the way out or the connections are iffy, I suspect the starter because it must be at least 25 years old (out of a 75) and was s/h when I fitted it a couple of years ago, third time those carbs have come off... at least it gets easier every time!

 

[Dickymint99]

Update: came to bit of a head today when it just wouldn't turn over, I listened more closely and could hear the relay clicking so its sounds like the starter is on the way out or the connections are iffy, I suspect the starter because it must be at least 25 years old (out of a 75) and was s/h when I fitted it a couple of years ago, third time those carbs have come off... at least it gets easier every time!

I'll give you a hand changing it. Only fair ;-)

 

[Joe90GT]

I'll give you a hand changing it. Only fair ;-)

Cheers Rich, I'll let you know but as I'm a man of leisure (allegedly) I'm going to start on Sunday weather permitting, shouldn't take long,
which one did you get, was it the non exchange lightweight one from CA? - all OK?

 

[Top Down]

Have you checked and cleaned all the starter supply and earth connections?

 

[Joe90GT]

Have you checked and cleaned all the starter supply and earth connections?

I going to take the carbs off then check everything before I remove it - my policy with the Spider is to replace critical stuff before it breaks so I'll probably replace the starter anyway and keep the old one (if I can fix it) as a spare, that's why I'm replacing all the awkward hoses etc
Besides, it gives me an opportunity to order lots of other goodies from CA ..........

 

[spiderserie4]

things like starters and alternators and radiators, I like to get refurbished by one of those old-fashioned specialist repairers......that way I have no surprises when trying to fit it back on...plus it supports a dying trade.

Back in the days there were so many darn useful little workshops in the UK.......now we're left with Halfrauds and the quick-fix fitters

 

[Dickymint99]

Cheers Rich, I'll let you know but as I'm a man of leisure (allegedly) I'm going to start on Sunday weather permitting, shouldn't take long,
which one did you get, was it the non exchange lightweight one from CA? - all OK?

Hi Martin
The non exchange light weight one. My mystery spark plug fouling problem has reappeared and I had to replace another yesterday. Still thinking of getting the hood done if anyone has any bright ideas. Got electrics in the barn now and a 2 post! Pop up when you have a moment.

 

[Joe90GT]

Hi Martin
The non exchange light weight one. My mystery spark plug fouling problem has reappeared and I had to replace another yesterday. Still thinking of getting the hood done if anyone has any bright ideas. Got electrics in the barn now and a 2 post! Pop up when you have a moment.

Excellent - glad you got the barn sorted, looking forward to see the 2 post, will be in touch, we'll talk spark plugs when I come over, see if there's anything obvious
Cheers

 

[Joe90GT]

Starters out - got it down to a fine art now! - all connections good so looks like the starter is Fubar

 

[Joe90GT]

Replaced the starter and the relay (just to be sure) and now she fairly bursts into life!, bit of carb fettling and alls well

 

[anglospider]

Thats good news, and the weather is not too bad so time for some fun driving now :driving: