Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Duratec 1.8 starting problem

Car was working fine yesterday started a routine service on the drive but bad weather stopped play before the oil change so popped it back in the garage. This morning tried to start but it wouldn't turn over just a slight ticking sound and dull lights. Checked the battery, earth strap to the chassis,strap to the engine and feed to the starter motor and all was fine even fitted a new battery. I suspect the problem is with the starter motor but dont know where to go from here.

One problem I have is a sloping drive and garage floor so if I try rocking in gear I could end up with the car half in and half out of the garage.

Any advice welcome

Chris

Can you hear the fuel pump running when you switch on ? If not it could be the starter/fuel pump relay, you can swap the 2 under the bonnet around to check this out.

Richard, I can hear what I assume is the pump ticking a few times when I turn the ignition on prior to attempting to turn the engine over.

Chris

Chris, that seems to rule that out then, can you hit the starter motor with a hammer incase it is just stuck I suggest this as you are unable to rock it in gear. It used to work on my Singer Chamois every time..

Wiggle and re-set the fuses in the engine bay.

Mine did this and I remember slightly knocking the fuses just prior as I got a tool roll out of the box. A firm push back in and all was well again.

You never know. Might be as simple as a slightly loose fuse .

I doubt a 2006 model car will respond to hits on the starter motor

If the lights are dull and the battery is fully charged it indicates a fault somewhere in the electrical circuit, no doubt a lose or corroded conection. It is unlikely to be the connection to the starter because the lights are also dull. Since the battery has been changed it is logically not at the battery itself. First thing to do is check the chassis (or motor) end of the earth strap. Remove it clean and replace. If that does not work follow the path of the positive battery lead. On the Plus 4 there is a conection up under the dash but I don't know if that applies to the 1.8 4/4.

Peter

The lights are fine with the ignition on and only dim when I attempt to turn the engine over.

Chris

Try using the old battery to direct jump the starter motor, if you know which terminal to use! If the starter spins it rules that out as the problem.

My monies on the starter if the lights dim when you load it.

Still thinking earths here especially if Dave's starter suggestion fails.
it just seems too sudden to me with no warning of impending failure to be the starter.