2000SC Starter motor problem

R

restojon

New Member
Hi all,
I think I may already know the answer to my question but I wanted to ask of the collective expertise to confirm what I think:
My 71 2000SC has developed a problem where when you turn the key to crank the engine the starter motor spins but the solenoid does not engage the motor with the flywheel, and normally when it does this if you turn the key back to the off position the starter motor keeps turning, sometimes after a moment it will engage with the ring gear and if you have the key back in the on position it will fire the engine. If it does not catch the flywheel and fire the starter motor continues to whirr away happily running the battery down until you either disconnect the battery or rapidly turn the ignition key on and off which get's it to catch and engage. Sometimes.
I thought it was a duff solenoid but I've had the motor apart and checked operation and it seems to be working ok, motor turning quickly and solenoid banging in and out as it appears it should so I thought I'd run it past everyone and see if anyone else has had the same problem and maybe even the solution if I'm lucky. :D
Thanks,
Jon.
 
I think you may have more than one problem there.

(But, as I suppose you would like some kind of answer, if you've checked the starter and it is OK, then I'd be looking at the ignition switch.)
 
I'll have a look when it's light, I did have a bit of a feeling it may be something ignition barrel related. If there's a bit of verdigris on the contacts it could explain at least part if not all of it. Thanks for the reply :D
 
I'll look into that, I'm not sure how the relay switches on these cars and what jobs the relay does. Good shout, I shall read up on it.
 
restojon said:
I'll look into that, I'm not sure how the relay switches on these cars and what jobs the relay does. Good shout, I shall read up on it.
Click to expand...

On our 2000Auto (etc..!), the relay was on the passenger side (RHD, of course!) inner wing under the bonnet.
 
That's very helpful, thanks for posting that pic 8)
Didn't get chance to look today as I was removing an engine from a Vauxhall 30/98 which is a beast of a thing but should have chance tomorrow, I did think about the relay and it seems to fall into place more and more, theoretically speaking of course :D
Thanks again.
 
I didn't get chance to look today, I was made to work at work today, all day in fact! :shock:
I appreciate all posts whether they turn out to be the culprit or not, so thanks to all that have posted. :D
And if you do get the heads up on the lottery, remember my Rover P6 in need charity, please make cheques payable to restojon'srustywreck sanctuary, Rover road, Solihull, Brum. :D
 
Not a P6 expert, but is the car laid up idle for long periods? If so, check the starter and solenoid wiring. Look for a whitish or very light blueish cast to any exposed wiring near terminal ends, connections, etc. on the starter and solenoid. If so, clean up your connections, and see what happens.
 
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