Weird starting issues.

henleyryan · 18 Apr 2014 at 07:48

Hi,

I've recently bought a barn find Lada Niva but am having strange symptoms when trying to start. It's a 2002 model (not much different to the original) and has been stationary for 6 years.

When the spark plugs are out the engine turns over really easy, it'll even turn over just by pushing the fan by hand, but as soon as the spark plugs are back in it won't turn over (just like it would behave with a weak battery) but I'm using 650cca battery from my landcruiser.

You guys solved an issue that the mechanics couldn't on my dad's MG a few years back so would appreciate your advice once again.

Regards
Ryan

DaveyD · 18 Apr 2014 at 08:27

Starter motor seized? Does it make any noise when you try to crank?

You can spin the engine when there's no spark plugs because the pistons aren't trying to squeeze the air to less than a tenth of its volume.

henleyryan · 18 Apr 2014 at 16:30

Starter motor isn't seized, it'll turn the engine over as long as there isn't any compression. I've taken the motor out and cleaned the brushes which seemed to give it a little more torque but still not enough to turn the engine over.

Dr Who · 18 Apr 2014 at 17:12

Might be the brushes in the starter motor worn out resulting in a lack of torque.

K.C. Leblanc · 18 Apr 2014 at 18:01

Dr Who said:
Might be the brushes in the starter motor worn out resulting in a lack of torque.

Are you able to try bump starting it?

I wonder if it could either be an air intake or exhuast blockage. If it's been sat for 6 years then there might well be things living it in!

henleyryan · 21 Apr 2014 at 12:33

Yeah tried bump starting initially but the fuel (and tank) was awful, so whilst that is out being repaired I don't have that option.

I was initially thinking along the same lines (airflow) so took the air box and exhaust off but it did not help. However I replaced the 10mm2 cable to the starter motor with a 20mm2 cable and copper greased the connections, including the bolts between starter motor and engine block, all works a treat now.

Cheers.