Mud-club

Vehicle & Technical => Range Rover => Topic started by: BigSi on October 23, 2007, 22:20:07

Title: Starting Solenoid?
Post by: BigSi on October 23, 2007, 22:20:07

Is there a solenoid or relay that operates just before the engine turns over (Range Rover 1986 3.5 V8 efi)? On some occasions, when I turn the key, there is a loud click from somewhere in the engine bay (I think), but nothing fires. Give it a few turns, and the engine turns over. Its always started, but sometimes take two or three turns of the key.  :-k  :-k  :-k  :-k

Title: Starting Solenoid?
Post by: L90OOK on October 23, 2007, 22:23:07

Yep there's a solenoid.
Sounds more like the contacts are dirty or corroded.  Take them off one at a time, give them  a good clean & re-attach.
Also do the earth strap at both ends too  :wink:

Title: Starting Solenoid?
Post by: BigSi on October 23, 2007, 22:32:03

Any ideas where it might be under the bonnet (or what it looks like!).  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

Title: Starting Solenoid?
Post by: L90OOK on October 23, 2007, 22:39:20

Ontop of the starter motor  :wink:

Title: Starting Solenoid?
Post by: Paul on October 23, 2007, 22:52:23

Not sure on the setup of a 1986 efi, I had a twin carb and had the same problem, mine turned out to be a poor contact on a relay that's mounted to the bulkhead at the back of the washer bottle...

Worth a look but like I say your's might be totally different.

Title: Starting Solenoid?
Post by: BigSi on October 23, 2007, 22:59:05

The engine was originally from a Range Rover, but now sits in the Defender. So I’m not sure if things are still in their original position or not? There are some relays mounted in the cab, but pretty sure none of these are the starter solenoids.

If anybody could take a pic of theirs, it would at least give me an idea of what I’m looking for!  :D  :D  :D  :D

Title: Starting Solenoid?
Post by: hairyasswelder on October 24, 2007, 16:09:39

If it is a loud click it is probably the solenoid.
It sits on the starter motor on the left side as you look under the bonnet.
Give the contacts a clean and wd40 them.

Title: Starting Solenoid?
Post by: clbarclay on October 24, 2007, 18:25:49

This should give you a good idea of what your looking for

In the flesh - the solenoid is the smaller cylinder on top
(http://www.brookwell.co.uk/acatalog/RTC6061N.jpg)

and cut away
(http://www.indiacar.com/infobank/images/ba_solenoid.jpg)

The starter motor solenoid is a lot bigger than any other solenoid on the vehicle and when you know what your looking for then they are pretty darn obvious.

Title: Starting Solenoid?
Post by: BigSi on October 24, 2007, 18:28:57

Excellent!!! Now I know what I’m looking for!  :D  :D  :D  :D

Title: Starting Solenoid?
Post by: DaveS on October 25, 2007, 12:06:16

Make sure you disconect the battery first, there is a live feed to the solenoid!! :shock:

My rangie had the same problem, was the solenoid, it was corroded but cleaning did not fix it so the starter assembly was swopped. Not too expensive.

Title: Starting Solenoid?
Post by: BigSi on October 25, 2007, 18:31:24

Could be painful (thank God for battery isolators)!!!!  :shock:  :shock:  :shock:  :shock: