ford sierra starting problems

[j rodrigues]

Hi everyony.
Please help. I have a Ford Sierra GT 2.0 DOHC Injection, K reg, my problem is: When I start the car for the first time, it starts OK, but when I drive for 6 to 10 miles and stop the engine and if I start again it doesn't start, it sounds like a flat battery, I know that the battery is ok because it is a new heavy duty, I also install a new starter motor and the problem remains. Please can anyone help?
J Rodrigues

[Chris]

Moved to the 'Lifestyle' forum.

to Cable Forum, J.R.

[Steve H]

What happens when you try to start it?

Does it turn over? Or does it just do nothing?

Can't really tell from the description you've put there, but its possible your alternator has done one, and it isn't charging your battery as your driving.... do you have a lot of things on whilst driving.... Fans (use alot of power believe it or not)... Radio, Lights?

[j rodrigues]

Thank for your prompt reply.
It. Doesn,turn over, it tends to but then just clicks, but if I whait 15 to 20 minuts, it starts ok again.
Thanks
J Rodrigues

[Paul]

Have you tested the starter to make sure it is actually working correctly? We had a similar problem a number of years ago and it turned out the replacement starter was faulty.

[Bifta]

Originally Posted by Paul

Have you tested the starter to make sure it is actually working correctly? We had a similar problem a number of years ago and it turned out the replacement starter was faulty.

Same thing used to happen to me on an old Mk2 escort, used to give the starter motor a tap with a hammer and it'd start straight away.

[Roy MM]

Could be the solenoid

[Flubflow]

Check that the wiring to the starter motor, solenoid & battery are all OK (undo and clean all the connections).
Sometimes you get a dirty/corroded connection that works some of the time but, under load with high current when starting, will randomly fail.

[paulyoung666]

good place to start i reckon , another 1 if you can , is to get the car in a dark garage and turn it over , you may see some sparking that could be the problem , obviously dont stay in a locked garage with the engine running


edit :- just reread and as above , the solenoid is looking a likely bet

[j rodrigues]

Thanks for all the replies.

I have recently changed the starter motor, and a few weeks before that it had a new battery. The problem is still there.

What happens during the problem, is that the engine turns over very slowly and then fails to turn over, just like it would with a flat battery. At a local garage they tested the current going to the starter motor and found it to be well over 750 Amps (so he said).

Seems as though something is physically preventing the engine from turning over.

Any help and ideas are greatly appreciated.

[paulyoung666]

if you depress the clutch when turning it over does it make any difference ?????

[Tuftus]

The engine turning over very slowly may be corroded / loose connections to the S Motor / solenoid, or the engine earth strap.

I would, as suggested above, ensure these connections are nice and shiny by giving them a good wire brush or file, then cover them in vaseline or grease to ensure no damp gets to them.

[paulyoung666]

Originally Posted by Tuftus

The engine turning over very slowly may be corroded / loose connections to the S Motor / solenoid, or the engine earth strap.

I would, as suggested above, ensure these connections are nice and shiny by giving them a good wire brush or file, then cover them in vaseline or grease to ensure no damp gets to them.

i reckon you are right , i was just trying to elimate the gearbox , i know it is very unlikely but there you go

[Tuftus]

Well you never know Paul...

Cars are like women I guess!

[paulyoung666]

right ...... , gonna throw another one in the pot , if the engine management has decided to mess about with the ignition timing then it could cause the engine to turn over very slowly , in effect it could be a case of an old distributor being swung too far , just a thought you understand