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Austin Allegro - Starter motor issue

JanineJ

Member
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Good morning all

Arthur has replaced brushes in the original starter motor of the Allegro. "A volt meter shows it should work but it doesn't turn over" (Arthurs words not mine). Can anyone advise on what else could be the issue?
 
there are a number of checks.

1. confirm the battery is fully charged (don't ask me how I know this should be the first check.

2. get jumper cables and connect one end to battery (+) then touch the other end to the starter - if nothing happens, it is the starter

3. If it spins, touch the cable to the starter side of the solenoid - if it spins the problem is between the ignition and solenoid.

isolating the issue is the first and easiest step
 
It looks like its number 3 is the issue. thank you @JPSmit
Ok this is progress. Next step is to look for obvious.

1. It could be a bad solenoid.
2. Or a bad ground

Do you have a wiring diagram?

To test to see if there is power to the solenoid you will need some kind of continuity tester and possibly an extra set of hands. An easy way to check it by yourself is to make a tester out of a 12V lightbulb socket & bulb - add some alligator clips to the tails and hook it up in series between the wire coming to the solenoid and the solenoid itself (you can also just ground the other end. If when you turn the key the bulb lights up you have continuity to the solenoid. If this is the case either the solenoid is faulty or it is poorly grounded. (you can also use a 12V continuity tester or a micrometer) In the case of my Midget the solenoid is itself grounded to the car - there is no separate wire. I expect the same might be true for yours.

BTW all british wires are (should be colour coded the same) so there is a good chance the wire coming in is White with a red tracer.

Oh and when did it work last?
 
Hi Janine ... Arthur may also have a faulty ignition switch. Follow the good advice from @JPSmit if the bulb does not light up in his test, when key is turned to 'start' position, then it's likely to be a faulty ignition switch. (BTW I assume the ignition light come on when ignition switch is turned to IGN position?) Let us know ... GJ
 
King Arthur - the stuff of fantastic legend - 'will rise again'. He is prophesied to return to Albion (Britain) when the land is in greatest need, according to the legend - so, any day now. It is a recurring theme, often associated with the "king asleep in the mountain" motif (another legend has him buried at Glastonbury), suggesting that one day he will return as a saviour or messiah.

Otherwise Arthur is @JanineJ 's neighbour with an Allegro 3 ... J is keen to learn about cars, and is kindly posing these queries on Arthur's behalf.
 
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