Starter just goes click

[Nj]

See my project thread here http://www.s2forum.com/forum/showthr...=23127&page=17

Unfortunately the battery is most definitely knackered because when we tried to start the car it almost turned over but did that sad sound of a flat battery.. 'woup, wooup, wooooooeeeuuup..'.. nothing.
So we pulled Steve's car over to give it a jump and in the approaching darkness had a brief spark when the pos and neg were almost connected back to front. First thing I can confirm is that the alarm on the s2 works. With the battery connected the right way we tried again but although the dash lit up ok the starter motor just makes a hollow click sound. I don't know if the rod/piston/rack bit that shoots out of the starter is stuck somehow or if the starter is knackered.
Any suggestions?
One thing to ask - Do both pos red cables connect to the same terminal of the alternator? And could this cause any issue with starting the car if connected incorrectly?

cheers

[topsparky]

sounds like a sticking solenoid to be
give it a tap with a hammer
while trying to start it this
may free it off

[quattronutter]

both reds should connect to alernator

[Acidburn]

Also check that the plug that pushes on the starter is on the correct terminal as I had this problem with david's (s2driveruk) car when we put it back together iirc its on the top most one.

[Error404]

**** the starter with a hammer

[Al Wyn]

Sounds very untechnical i know but has worked a few times for me over the years

[dan_b]

"Percussive maintenance" (ie. whack it with a hammer) always works with a starter

[Nj]

Thanks lads. we gave the starter a knock with a breaker bar but now while trying to start it. Looks like the delicate persuador needs to come out again (sounds like a euphemism for my old chap. sorry)

quattronutter - glad to know we got that right. cheers (phew)

Peter - I think I had it on the lower one and got nothing at all until Steve switched it to the upper one.

The majority of wisened persons suggest that 'percussive maintenance' is required. That shall be my next step. I'll see if I can get someone to squeeze into a dark garage with me later and try that. Any particular part of the starter I shoul dbe aiming at? nearest the flywheel?

cheers again

[Knight Rider S4]

Just hit the body of the starter motor Noel that should do it....need a better bar...something that you can rest on top of starter and hit on top with hammer

[Error404]

might find its easier to get at from underneath - a good cluck with a lump hammer should do it

[Pirvu Eugen]

If the starter is turning after the hammer knock, then the brushes inside are gone and you should exchange them. The starter wire is ok if you hear the clunk. If you change the position off that wire the coil is not conected and you will not hear the starter engage.
Hitit with an hammer at the back of the starter motor and try again.

[Nj]

alrighty....... I have some help enlisted for that delicate female touch

[4WheelDrifter]

It sounds like a low voltage problem. Are you sure the jump leads are man enough and/or have a good connection?

[Nj]

honestly i'd have to say not sure. the battery is fekked so we ran the jump leads directly from Steve's battery to the pos and negs on the car (without the shagged battery) and got the same thing. The jump leads are quite cheap but not the worst i've ever seen. i'll try a new battery first and foremost. and then the hammer

[ctolladay]

I had the same problem a while ago. I swapped the starter with a re-furbed one but now wish I had just sorted the old one. If you can take it off greese it up and it should be fine.

Otherwise keep ****ting it until it starts.