My battery is not that old. 18 months at the most. It's a high CCA one too.

It seems to have full charge. When I turn the ignition on, the fuel pump happily chugs away, lights, radio, horn all work fine. I go to start the bastard and the starter will either turn VERY slowly, or not at all (and just make a single 'tick' noise).

Clutch start is not a prob, and the charge light is not on while the car is running.

Dead (or dieing) starter motor?

Maybe - toss in another starter - somebody will have one. But.... it can also be a few other things. For example a poor earth from the battery to the boot floor, from the body to the clutch cover casing, poor connection on the solenoid etc. Check the connections first though.

Mike

Yea I have checked all possible connections. I would have thought if there was a poor earth, the fuel pump and other accessories would not operate?

Haven't had a chance to swap the starter motor. The only spare I have is one from my GT resto. Probably last used 25 years ago

I say starter , it's the same symptoms as the sports850 had when it's starter died . If you can , borrow one from a mini that you know works as I grabbed another starter that did exactly the same thing and left me chasing battery cables and connections , only found it when I tried a 3rd starter .

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The starter draws (or at least attempts too) a lot more power than the other ancillaries. Doesn't someone near you have a known spare they could lend you for a quick trial.

The starters do wear out but its not a sudden thing. Is the post on the starter itself (where the heavy current lead bolts too) loose and flooping about. I do meant the post itself and not the nuts holding the cable on.

Usually what you describe is connections somewhere - earths on bodies, terminal posts on batteries etc.

money on the starter for sure.
Just park it on the hill and clutch start it. Your driveway is made for clutch starts.
Cheers
Aaron

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Fortunately changing a starter and checking connections is easy stuff.

I'll try a different starter tonight and see what happens. I have too many dead ones kicking around now.....

Thanks guys.

If the starter doesn't help (even though it probably will) get your battery load tested. They can loose a cell for all sorts of reasons, and though they are fine to run ancillaries, hit them with the load of a starter and they just can't do it.

Even though its a reasonably new battery it can happen. Didi it have 12 or 24 months warranty?

Cheers,

Dicko.

If you are getting a `tick' noise my money is on the starter solenoid, not the starter.
They have copper terminals in there that burn away, eventually the contact is not made.
You can get cheapo asian ones or Lucas. I'd go Lucas.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Not too many problems with the asian ones. But if it goes 'tick' and there is some movement. Then put your hand on the solenoid studs to check for heat. If it is acting like a big resistor you can bet your bottom dollar it will be hot!

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

I had the same problem not long ago...Starter Solenoied..trust me

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Stop Licking the Dog...I Don't Care Who Started It

My asian `Echlin' one lasted 3 months then refused to work when engine hot. I took it back and got a Lucas, wasn't much dearer.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

hmmmm... you had to throw another element into the equation didn't you....

I'm changing the starter first. Only because I have a spare on hand. Iam sure to have at least 2 spare solenoids... just got to find them!

Thanx again guys.

Easy to check the solenoid without taking anything apart.
Click the ignition to start, and have a trusty assistant measure the voltage across the solenoid studs. If it gets more than a poofteenth of a volt, there lies the problem.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

What do I set the multi meter to?