306 stuff

[Raz316]

Right, so I am looking to sell the 306, but before I do that, I want to make sure it starts properly, which it has been struggling to do.

First off I changed the battery, this made a slight difference but it still struggles.
Last night I (finally) managed to change the spark plugs, it struggled to start straight after, and was the same this morning.

Apparently it could be the alternator. I am not entirely sure what it actually does, anyone care to explain? . Having a look around online, the general price for a 306 1.6 alternator is £130-200, which I'd like to avoid paying if I can. Can you clean the alternator? If so how, I don't want to go breaking stuff!

Cheers!

[dkmech]

Its a generator for you battery.

[Lowe]

Did you gap the plugs?

[Raz316]

nopes

edit> and ta Dkmech

[Zak33]

alternator CHARGES the battery when you drive....if a fresh battery goes on, all charged up and new, it should have NO bearing on it starting....

new plugs was a good idea....but most dont need the gap setting anymore...most are done when they're made......

Sounds to me like it needs DRIVING ...go drive the arse off it....then try it the morning after

[Raz316]

I took it for a pretty harsh drive last night, but Ill do the same today and see how it is tomorrow.

Anything else I can consider?

[Russ]

how harsh?? like 3rd gear max harsh

[Jiff Lemon]

Struggles how?
Cranks for an enternity before firing?
Cranks slowly?
apears to fire but not on all four?

Tis DEFINATELY not alternator. Lots of other things it could be. Has it always been a poor starter or is it just since it's been stood?

[Raz316]

how harsh?? like 3rd gear max harsh

Hehe, nah, I'm a bit of a wuss, so up to 5000 revs in each gear, cruised a bit in 5th, then went down to 4th and stayed there a while.

Cranks slowly, and can 'jam' (stop cranking), especially when its cold. Been like it since this winter.

[unrealrocks]

I doubt its the alternator, that sounds mechanical ... starter motor? or something pysically wrong with the engine?

[Raz316]

i wish i knew. I know sod all about cars.

[Lowe]

new plugs was a good idea....but most dont need the gap setting anymore...most are done when they're made......

Whilst that's true, it doesn't mean that the box of plugs hasn't been dropped.. always check them. A set of plugs caused a mate of mine no end of grief due to the gap being all wrong and him assuming they were pre-set.

Sounds like the starter is on the way out to me.

[Rave]

Assuming you've changed the oil sometime in the last 15,000 miles and it hasn't turned to sludge, it sounds like the starter motor is getting weak to me too.

Rich :¬)

[Jiff Lemon]

If its cranking slowly, quick test would be to check your earth strap.

You got a set of jump leads? Clip one end to the battery negative terminal and the other to a clean(ish) bit of engine and see if things are any better.

BE VERY CAREFUL! if you get the wrong battery terminal you'll be performing a bit of accidental arc welding

[Raz316]

Oil was changed about 3000 miles ago.

Is there anyway of checking the starter motor?

As for the spark plugs, I am assuming the gap, is the one between the arms and the main body. They were all the same distance (well to the naked eye anyway) away from the body.

I think my dad has some jump leads. So I just connect them up as stated and start the car?

Much appreciated everyone!

[Jiff Lemon]

Testing the starter is a bit of a black art....

Essentially if it's turning slowly and it's not a bad earth lead, given that you've changed the battery, it'd be safe to assume its dying.

There are a number of test you can do with a volt meter to check the cabling.

The idea of the Jump leads is just a quick test to see if the earth strap is the problem (unlikely but......)