Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Help with CVH starter

Hi All

I'm looking for help with my father-in-laws 1985 4/4 CVH starter issues.

Apparently it's been occasionally failing to start & now just gives a clunk. Battery is ok (lives on a Ctek charger) so I'm suspecting the solenoid. Is there a separate starter relay? If so, where is it located?

Are there any hidden earth locations I could check?

My research indicates the starter required is for a Sierra 1.8 rather than an Escort. Does anyone have part numbers for the starter and relay?

I had problems with mine years ago, found corrosion behind the earth connection on the engine, in fact I fitted an earth strap Battery to Body to Starter no more problems.
Really caught me out as there was no visual indication.

Richard J

There is an earth from the gearbox to the chassis i would open that up and clean it first

It is much simpler to run an additional earth in the engine bay - that’s what I did when my 1985 4/4 had this problem. The factory fitted earth strap at the gearbox is puny. If it is an earth problem, the heater valve control cable could be hot enough to burn you so be careful. Don’t ask how I know …..

I used a jump lead to show it was the earth

I've seen some of these suggestions in my Googling.

Where would your run an additional earth strap from/to ? (I'm used to conventional monocoque constructions and he tells me it's an alloy body). I'm afraid electrics are not my strong point.

The battery negative strap looks a bit feeble and the point it connects to the chassis is a bit corroded. I'm not sure the chassis connection would survive any attempt to undo it.

I ran mine from a pre-existing hole in the chassis to the bell housing. If there isn’t a convenient hole that is unused, then take a bolt out of an engine mounting and use that point. Just ensure that the surfaces are clean so that you get a good earth connection. The point above re using a jump lead to prove it is the earth is a good one and could save you a lot of time.

If it ends up being the solenoid, then you may need a new starter motor - if I remember correctly, the solenoid is an integral part of the starter motor. My cautionary note is that it is nearly 8 years since I sold my 1985 4/4!

Again test with a jump lead. I found earthing was better from some parts than others.

I had similar problem. I brought my stator to a starter rebuilding shop. At the same time, you may want to verify and clean all wire connections. I Put the rebuilt starter back and everything’s is right.
Considering that it is a 36 years old, I am sure that some parts are worn. I did the same with the alternator.

Thanks for the tips.

I'm doing this semi remotely as the car is out in the sticks of Northumberland. All my cars have relays for the starter in the fuse boxes but FIL is not sure if the Morgan has one (?). He's not technically minded and he's now in his 80's so he's relying on me to fix it.

I'll try the jump lead trick.

I believe the solenoid is integral with the starter.