2.0 Maestro Van starting problems

[Guest]

Hello,

i have just bought a 1988 maestro van with a carb 2.0 Montego engine it in. i picket it up from Birmingham and drove it all the way down to Guildford yesterday, all absolutely fine apart from a bit of pre-ignition wihich caused a bit of run-on.
When i went to start it this morning it wouldn't even turn over, the battery is out of a 1.3 maestro but even with a jump pack it wouldn't start. the battery warning light is on but everything else powers up fine. the starter solenoid ticks every time i turn the key but will not crank over the engine.
would anyone have an idea why it isn't cranking, my best bet is that the starter motor/solenoid has packed up but if anyone else has and ideas they would be much appreciated.

cheers

Alistair

[Doctordiesel77]

Sounds like starter or solenoid, check earth to engine first, by connecting a jump lead from battery neg to engine, this is unlikely, but easy to check, if there is nothing flammable/explosive near it, get an assistant to turn the key, while you bridge the two big contacts on the solenoid (there will be a spark and heat generated, so be careful!), if it starts, then solenoid has failed, if not then either starter or battery, or live cable has failed.

[Doctordiesel77]

PS, if it is the solenoid, take it off & soak it in switch cleaner, then dry out, this might get you an extra few months out of it....

[E_T_V]

Sounds like a duff battery to me (of a flat battery and a duff alternator).

[Guest]

right, bench tested old starter and it was a dud, new starter bench tested and works, fitted it to the car but still makes the same tick on the ignition and wont crank. i have tried starting it off of a jump pack and makes no difference.

Any ideas?

cheers

[E_T_V]

Do headlights dim when you try to start it? i.e. is starter working and engine seized?