Starting problem. Your advice please.

[Sundowner]

Hi,
My sprint has developed a starting problem. Bear in mind that the battery is fully charged and OK.
Sometimes it starts OK, but usually it only starts after I've switched the key on and off several times.
Most of the time its dead, then suddenly it fires.
I just want your advice on where to start looking for the problem. Could it be a problem with the switch? Would it more likely be in the starter motor, solenoid, or do I start looking somewhere else?
Cheers,
Rob

[gmsclassics]

I am assuming from your description that the engine turns over but doesn't fire up / start.

Could be a lot of things, but if it WAS working fine but has since developed the problem then that would indicate electrics. However, if your fuel pump is developing a fault and is taking time to prime the float chambers, that could be another avenue.

My first choice would be the two small spade connections to the starter motor. One provides current to the solenoid and the other the direct feed to the coil when (and only when) the starter is turning. Try cleaning both and making sure the connections are tight.

If that doesn't work then try making sure all of the connections in the ignition circuit are clean and tight. Also engine earth strap and main cable to the starter. This cable has a large connector near the offside loom (brown cables coming from it) - I've also had connectivity issues here. Never in the ignition switch though.

Hope this helps - good luck.

Geoff

[Sundowner]

Hi Geoff,
Thanks for answering.
No, the problem is electrical. Either the switch, or the starter, or something in between.
Every time I turn the key, all the relevant lights light up , but when I take it to the next turn, where the starter is supposed to engage, its dead. Nothing at all, no starter, nothing.
So, I switch the key back and try again, back and forth until eventually it connects and the starter turns OK.
The car is in such good shape it will always fire up, once the starter turns. This is why I asked about the switch and I wonder if there is a known history with it playing up.
I'll spend some time on it tomorrow and I just needed some advice to narrow down my starting point.
Once again, thanks for your response.
Cheers,
Rob

[Sundowner]

I found that the lead from the starter to the coil was sliding loose on the spade connection and was quite dirty.
Since cleaning it and tightening it, the problem hasn't recurred.....yet. I live in hope.
Thanks Geoff, much appreciated.
Cheers,
Rob

[Jon Tilson]

Common fault....

Read this...

https://dollywiki.co.uk/wiki/Ignition_b ... ss_removal

I wrote it because so many slant engined cars had starting issues for just this reason.

Jonners