jumping the starter...

[GRN_VAGN]

just wondering its possible to link the wire that activates the starter into a relay, connected to battery. so that when i crank it over it pulls the full 12v to help turn it over?.

I know my old rolla had this setup as the starters where prone to dropping volts somewhere.

Im having the same problem in golf, it turns over as if the battery flat, but then sometimes when i crank its fine. ive noticed my volts gauge drops right down past 8v (8v is lowest it reads) So any ideas on what cause it?

Ive double checked all wires to starter, earth points ect.


edit, link found http://www.supramania.com/forums/sho...r-Relay-Mod%29

[GeorgeMK1]

If it works out for you let me know, coz my golf does the exact same thing, even after a fully charged bat goes in. It turns over as if the battery is dead.

How would a relay sort the problem though?

[GRN_VAGN]

when you turn key to start it will trigger the relay to pull 12v from battery and then to starter, so you will get 12v every time.

Im going to tackle it this weekend after ive bought a relay and stuff

[GeorgeMK1]

Oh i see, well let me know how that goes. Does it have to be a certain relay, or just a normal relay, as i have a few lying around if ya like?

[GRN_VAGN]

Going to go buy a 30amp 4 pin relay with built in spade fuse... ive used them before and are really good.

Will let ya know anyway... if your free this weekend could possibly do both cars ?

[GeorgeMK1]

The built in fuse sounds really good, could save space and trouble. I'd love to however i already have plans to take the golf in for a service and tune, and maybe possibly to get the brakes fixed.

Sorry dude, perhaps if you havn't done it this weekend for whatever the reason, on the next long weekend?
Thanks for the offer anyway!

[Golf Loon]

Push button starter is the bush mechanic answer.
Could be worn ignition switch.

[GRN_VAGN]

how do you tell if it a worn ignition switch Matt?

[GRN_VAGN]

So i just tried this, it works... but it still cranks over slowly sometime.. think my starter is just dieing. or i got a bad case of voltage drop

Seems to start easier since ive done it though, guessing its pulling power from battery directly to start motor, and the ignition is pulling rest. Volts gauge still dropped to 8v when cranking.

BTW, anyone know if the starter from a Cordoba will work? i know there a few at wreckers i could try

[gldgti]

the starter already has a relay built in fellas! it MUST. you know how many amps a starter motor will pull while cranking? Its HUGE! a 1.5kW starter is pulling at least around 150A. no current to help the starter actually turn goes through the ignition. all the ignition does is energize the solenoid. if you put in a relay, you are adding a relay for a relay, which might help the solenoid energise, but wont change the cranking at all.

If the starter is going slowly, its likey too much resistance between the earth and the starter or between the battery and starter (check with multimeter) or the starter is, as you say, dying. If its turning over at all, the solenoid is working - but it is technically possible that there could be corrosion inside the starter solenoid that isnt helping matters.

[mikinoz]

Check for a bad cable connection at the battery terminal. Between the cable and the terminal not the terminal and the battery post.

[GRN_VAGN]

Yeah going to go buy a new terminal tomorrow, ive noticed its a little frayed.

Also, got a starter motor from wreckers and dropped it in, same problem still...

Did notice on my first starter it had the cable from battery and red/black wire to solenoid. New starter has those, plus an extra tab. for the black wire. whats that do? its not a earth as the test light lights up when its in the ON position.

[GRN_VAGN]

all fixed, connection from cable to terminal was corroded. Got a new terminal, and cut back wire to cleaner stuff.. all good

[Jarred]

I reckon 70%+ of electrical problems with mk 1's have got to do with bad earths and connections!

[GRN_VAGN]

yeah already got a thicker power cable, think its like a 6 or 8 gauage. Going to replace the earth one later on with same size stuff... and sand the earth points for a better contact...

Just have to figure out why 1st gear ran away now