MK2 Cortina Starting Problem.

[ZedGee]

G'day,

I need help, 1969 MK2 Cortina will not start. I know it's not rocket science, which is probably why I'm not a rocket scientist, but here's what I've done so far:

Replaced starter motor and solenoid, replaced all battery leads, additional chassis and battery earth connections installed, replaced auto trans inhibitor switch, checked and tested ignition switch.

I have tried two different batteries, results are the same. I have power where it's supposed to be going, but starter does nothing but click. Engine will not even turn over.

Is it possible the auto trans has jammed or something, not allowing the starter to engage with the flywheel or whatever?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated, I need this car going so I can take my Fairlane off the road for some TLC.

Cheers.

[wicko]

If it clicks it sounds like a connection problem - if the starter motor isn't cactus then it will be something simple so check and double check all connections.

I've had problems in the past where a connecting wire has come off the starter, also had loose negative earth on Battery.

Will it start using jumper leads ? or at least turn over with jumper leads?

When you said you replaced the starter motor was it a new starter motor or a 2nd hand 'spare' sitting on the shelf. Reality is if its a spare it could be as bad as the one you took off.

[ZedGee]

Originally Posted by wicko

If it clicks it sounds like a connection problem - if the starter motor isn't cactus then it will be something simple so check and double check all connections.

I've had problems in the past where a connecting wire has come off the starter, also had loose negative earth on Battery.

Will it start using jumper leads ? or at least turn over with jumper leads?

When you said you replaced the starter motor was it a new starter motor or a 2nd hand 'spare' sitting on the shelf. Reality is if its a spare it could be as bad as the one you took off.

Every connection has been checked numerous times, all have been cleaned and rubbed with emery paper to ensure solid contact with battery terminals, engine and chassis, solenoid and starter.

Admittedly, the 'new' starter came off another MK2, which was last started a few months ago.

Car isn't in a position to jump start, but I hooked up another fully charged battery from my ZG Fairlane, result was the same.

I suppose I'll have to ditch the Lucas starter motor in favour of whatever is available...or buy another car!

[LG17]

Did you check to see if the starter worked before you put it in?
As in not under any load.

[wicko]

Try shorting the starter with a long screw driver - if it still does the same then its probably a stuffed starter (you did say it was a Lucas).

Let me know if your getting rid of the car - I'd like a Mk 2

[allanv6gt]

Had a similar problem with a '76 Civic some years ago.
Turned out the starter solenoid (only) was cactus.

[ZedGee]

Much to the relief of my wallet, I got the thing going. I removed the starter, rotated the flywheel, re-installed starter and it fired first time. Seems like the starter motor pinion and flywheel were jammed or not disengaging properly.

Time for a new starter motor, just in case!

[allanv6gt]

I removed the starter, rotated the flywheel, re-installed starter and it fired first time
or the teeth on the flywheel are non existent in that spot.....

[TER2BO]

Hi , yes there are some problems which can give grief .
1 the Lucas starter motors are getting long in the tooth and dont provide enough oomph
2. There are different number of teeth on some ring gears/Starter pinons
3. The pinon gear return spring is not working.
4 When the engine stops it returns to the same spot each time. This means that the starter is always working on the same part of the ring gear and it wears out.
But usually this will be hear by the starter werring and not engaging. Your problem is that the return mechanizm is jamming or the spring has had it. Sometimes it just needs abit of light oil and trying out of the car to make sure its doing what it should. Hope this helps if you have any further issues.

[ZedGee]

Originally Posted by TER2BO

Hi , yes there are some problems which can give grief .
1 the Lucas starter motors are getting long in the tooth and dont provide enough oomph
2. There are different number of teeth on some ring gears/Starter pinons
3. The pinon gear return spring is not working.
4 When the engine stops it returns to the same spot each time. This means that the starter is always working on the same part of the ring gear and it wears out.
But usually this will be hear by the starter werring and not engaging. Your problem is that the return mechanizm is jamming or the spring has had it. Sometimes it just needs abit of light oil and trying out of the car to make sure its doing what it should. Hope this helps if you have any further issues.

Thanks for the information, as it turned out I had to replace the ring gear as the teeth were completely worn away on the transmission side. Inspecting the gear through the starter motor aperture led me to falsely believe all was sweet as the teeth looked intact. How wrong I was, how stupid did I feel and should have known better after 40 years working on many and various motors.

I guess I was clutching at straws in an attempt to avoid dropping the transmission, which I should've done in the first place. Laziness gets you nowhere.

Car now starts without any problems whatsoever, but I now have a jamming throttle linkage, which is pretty scary at full welly!!

Cheers.

[allanv6gt]

as it turned out I had to replace the ring gear as the teeth were completely worn away on the transmission side.
I've seen this on my Capri ring gears, hence the suggestion.

At least you have tracked down the source of your problem.
Sometimes we look for the hard answers first (we're all guilty from time to time)