| Moderated by: Greg Fletcher | ||
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SpeedyMitch Member 
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Sometimes my J-H won't start. I get my goggles, gloves, special driving slippers and hat on, turn the key and.... ....nothing. No click, no starter motor, no go. The lights dim and the battery tests fine. It seems that if I can 'nudge' the starter by moving the car a bit it will start. Push start works every time but hills are not always convenient. Sounds like starter motor or starter solenoid. Is there any way to diagnose either or should I just give Delta a call and get a new starter/solenoid combo? Any advice is appreciated. Mitch |
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JodyKerr Member 
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Before you yank you the starter make sure you're getting good current/amperage at the starter. Clean all the wiring connections including the engine ground. If that doesn't work you can pull the starter. Any autozone/checker can test it. If it's gonzo, then get one from Delta. On the plus side, it's an inexpensive unit. If you want something a little more sexy/modern I highly recommend looking into those modern gear reduction starters. I put one on my TR8 and I will now put one on every car that's not concours. |
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Jensen Healey Super Moderator 
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Hi Mitch, I think Jody is correct. I had some problems with filthy loose connections. After a good cleaning and pinching a few connections I almost forgot there was ever an issue. I have a few starter and solinoid units if you want one. |
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Lash Russell Member 
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Hi Mitch, I had a similar problem a couple of years ago, pulled everything apart, cleaned, searched, nothing. Then, I can't remember exactly why, I pulled the "seat belt warning module" (I think it is called and sprayed the inside with electrical contact cleaner and everything has been fine sice then. It almost drove me crazy. The unit is under dash, drivers side attached to the left foot footwell and has a circular wire connection (with several wires attached). Comes off with two screwsand isn't that hard to get at. Hope this helps, Lash |
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Mason Jones Member 
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Another simple thing you might check (just because it's easy) before pulling the starter is the wires going to the ignition switch. Easy enough to check, just wiggle the yellow bundle of wires under the steering wheel while turning the key. I proudly brought my wife out to try out the car after having spent 2 weeks fixing the brakes and as soon as she sat in the car...it wouldn't start. Lights, radio, and everything else worked but no click or anything from the starter. It turns out someone had "repaired" the loose wires by hot-gluing them into the ignition switch. |
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normv Member 
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If you need a new starter try http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Gear-Reduction-Starter-Motor-LOTUS-Esprit-Jensen-Healey-/230620025065?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35b20650e9 I got one for the Hi compresion race engine and it works well |
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JodyKerr Member
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If you prefer a vendor to ebay contact Ted at TSI. http://www.tsimportedautomotive.com/gearreductionstarters.html |
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dwalls1 Member
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I thought I had my original starter fixed several times, before I bought a geared unit. It's the only way to go. I didn't get mine from Ted, but he is a class act and one of those that makes the Brit Car Hobby enjoyable. |
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yellowjh Member
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Speedy Mitch...I have one of those new gear reduction starters still in the box if you are interested...send me an email off the board |
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Frank Schwartz Member
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If Mitch doesn't want it, I'd be intersted. Kindly contact me off line at mfsjr2@comcast.net Thanks, Frank |
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SpeedyMitch Member
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Jensen Healey wrote: I had some problems with filthy loose connections. After a good cleaning and pinching a few connections I almost forgot there was ever an issue. I cleaned up the crazy botch-job left by the PO around the starter, alternator, and coil. Unfortunately there must have been some magic in the diced and spliced wires 'cause now the JH won't even turn on. When I turn the key I get no lights on the dash, no fuel pump, no starter. The battery is charged, headlights bright. I have checked the connections vrs the wiring the diagram and it all looks good. Fuses on the firewall are good. Is there some hidden fuse or other trip somewhere that I'm missing? |
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Brett Gibson JH5 20497 Member
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Mitch first off I would check for a good ground between engine and frame, then start checking continuity of the wires alot of the wiring just needs a small flex and will brake inside, also I have seen an additional inline fuse up under the dash on some cars towards the fuse box. Good luck. Brett |
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pbahr Member 
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The Jensen boys used Lucas electrical bits - known to be the worst in the world. Take the Ignition Switch for example: It is a fragile item, not designed for the current loads imposed by Jensen engineers and worst of all, it is open to the world of dirt, dust and sand blowing around the cockpit at 90mph. Take that beast out of the car and clean / lubricate it. It may change your life.............. Pete Bahr |
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Elanplus2 Member
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Is there supposed to be a spacer between the starter motor and the mounting face of the engine? |
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redracer Member
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No; bolts right up to it |
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