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#Post#: 54507--------------------------------------------------
Can an engine go stiff after a month?
DIR By: ProDave
Date: March 15, 2013, 6:39 am
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It's a starting question.
I don't use Mr Noisy much at this time of year, the thought of
all that salt on the roads etc.
So I had a run out this morning first time for a month. and
starting was very reluctant. Basically it went "click" and I
thought that's it, flat battery, but then after a pause, turned
over nicely and started.
The previous time out, after a similar stand, it was the same,
but I gave the battery a good charge after that previous trip.
It will now start without hesitation.
Now obviously I need to check the condition of the battery, and
check for volt drop across the solenoid, check earth straps etc.
But my real question, is will an engine (2.25 petrol) when sat
for a month, be a bit stiff to turn over to initially? Or am I
purely looking for an electrical problem / knackered battery?
(I must buy a starting handle so I can test the "stiff" theory
by trying to turn it by hand)
#Post#: 54508--------------------------------------------------
Re: Can an engine go stiff after a month?
DIR By: feelinperky
Date: March 15, 2013, 6:57 am
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doubt its an engine problem, more of a dodgy starter/ battery
been standing for ages thing. :thumbs: use it more!
#Post#: 54513--------------------------------------------------
Re: Can an engine go stiff after a month?
DIR By: seriesewan
Date: March 15, 2013, 7:34 am
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were you in gear with the clutch down? could it be said clutch
#Post#: 54514--------------------------------------------------
Re: Can an engine go stiff after a month?
DIR By: Snailer
Date: March 15, 2013, 8:05 am
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sounds like starter motor to me
#Post#: 54517--------------------------------------------------
Re: Can an engine go stiff after a month?
DIR By: NoelC
Date: March 15, 2013, 8:38 am
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The elapsed time should have no effect, i.e. an cold engine left
24 hours should take the same amount of effort to start as a
cold engine left a month as far as I'm aware. Certainly my 109
sits for months often without starting and always turns over
fine, usually fires within a second of the button being pushed.
The general recommendation of all car manufacturers is depress
the clutch before cranking as you're then not moving the gearbox
shafts through treacle however what you've described sounds more
like electrical issues to me.
The first thing I'd check is all of the electrical connections
especially the earth straps. I run an extra one from the battery
negative to a distributor securing bolt, that helps a great deal
in my experience. Secondly, battery. With the help of an
assistant check the voltage before cranking and whilst cranking.
You should be showing 12 volts or thereabouts before, and no
less that 9 volts or so when cranking. A fucked battery will
drop more than that, I've seen 3 volts before on one of the
batteries on a bus that was reluctant to crank. Assuming this
all checks out I'd then be questioning the solenoid (if fitted)
and starter motor. The solenoid is easy to check, disconnect the
battery and bolt both sections of the +ve cables together.
Wearing a pair of decent gloves put the lead back on the battery
(it will spark). If it cranks noticeably better I'd replace the
solenoid. If not, I'd be looking at the starter motor as being
suspect.
#Post#: 54521--------------------------------------------------
Re: Can an engine go stiff after a month?
DIR By: ProDave
Date: March 15, 2013, 9:03 am
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Thanks. I was just trying to eliminate mechanical issues before
I start checking the electrics.
Was in neutral, but clutch down (a habit of mine, never crank an
engine without pressing the clutch)
I'll have to leave it for a couple of weeks and then do some
voltage measurements before and during cranking.
#Post#: 54524--------------------------------------------------
Re: Can an engine go stiff after a month?
DIR By: Albert Ross
Date: March 15, 2013, 9:24 am
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Word of caution. By pressing the clutch before starting, you
risk premature wear of the thrust faces of the crank.
#Post#: 54529--------------------------------------------------
Re: Can an engine go stiff after a month?
DIR By: Snailer
Date: March 15, 2013, 10:11 am
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--- Quote from: Albert Ross link ---
>
> Word of caution. By pressing the clutch before starting, you
risk premature wear of the thrust faces of the crank.
>
--- End Quote ---
is that all engines or Land Rovers? The general rule is depress
the clutch to reduce the amount you need to turn to start on the
starter motor
#Post#: 54536--------------------------------------------------
Re: Can an engine go stiff after a month?
DIR By: MikeLR109
Date: March 15, 2013, 10:40 am
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That's all engines, well, nearly all. I'd rather wear out a
starter motor than a set of thrusts, I've always made sure it's
in neutral, then start with foot off the clutch, it's not as
though you're putting that much extra strain on turning the
gearbox in neutral.
#Post#: 54537--------------------------------------------------
Re: Can an engine go stiff after a month?
DIR By: Snailer
Date: March 15, 2013, 10:46 am
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--- Quote from: MikeLR109 link ---
>
> That's all engines, well, nearly all. I'd rather wear out a
starter motor than a set of thrusts, I've always made sure it's
in neutral, then start with foot off the clutch, it's not as
though you're putting that much extra strain on turning the
gearbox in neutral.
>
--- End Quote ---
that's 30 years of habit to ditch :o
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