Failing starter motor

[67_gt6]

Historically I have never had any problem starting the car. Last week I did a wet compression test on the engine ie a little oil in the bores. Since then it has been very difficult to turn the engine over on the starter with the plugs in, almost as if there is too much compression for the starter to cope with. I have been for several long drives and it is unchanged. It only happens from a cold start, there are no problems turning it over once it is warmed up. Am presuming the starter is on its way out, the higher compressions from the oil in the bores would only have been temporary surely?

 

Andy

[Rhodri]

You are right, the oil in the bores would be temporary. I suggest you clean both the connections on the battery and the heavy cable connection to the starter solenoid. Also the earth lead connections on the front of the engine to the chassis. If that doesn't help then a substitute battery may help to determine whether or not your battery is on its way out. Failing that it may be possible that your starter motor needs , possibly new brushes. As an aside, did you alter the timing? If it is well advanced then it may struggle to turn over.

[Nigel Lay]

Before you go down the starter motor route I agree 100% with Rhodri, please check the battery by substitution or get it checked at a 'battery centre', could easily be a cell gone down in the battery. This can give rise to the exact fault you describe.

Nigel (with TS952)

[67_gt6]

Hi, thanks, discovered that the battery was rather more tired than I thought it was, has got a decent charge in it now which has solved the problem.

 

Andy