JOHN OF LONDON
Active Member
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2016
- Messages
- 83
- Country Flag
The story so far.
Sunday morning. Try to start the 80. All that can be achieved is 2 or 3 clicks from relays. After some time managed to locate the starter solenoid hiding in the wing; it appears to be making a satisfactory click when it should. There are two connectors, one with thin wires assumed to be the switch circuit and one with thick wires which presumably operates the starter. Investigation with the meter finds that the thin wires are respectively a live wire connected to the starter position on the ignition switch and an earth, as you'd expect. However, both the thick wires are 0 Volts regardless of ignition switch position.
Obviously this is a fusible link problem! Visually inspect fusible links - they look perfect. Separate the connector. 13volts at both. Test for continuity from each of the spade terminals in the plug with the thick wires at the starter solenoid. No continuity. The two wires leaving the fusible link connector are red and black, the two wires arriving at the solenoid are white and black/red. Connecting 12v to the black/red spins the starter, but doesn't activate the 12/24 changeover relay. Engine starts happily if ignition is on but various warning lights stay on. Voltmeter indicates that battery is charging. Using the ignition switch to try to start activates the 12/24v changeover switch.
It seems to me that the obvious answer is the right one: there is a break in the continuity between the fusible link and the power side of the starter solenoid, and this is also affecting the warning lights. This, it seems to me, is more likely to be a failed connector rather than a broken wire. The wires at each end seem to disappear into the main harness and through the bulkhead and, as they are different colours, might be powering some other items on the way.
Today I have taken off the glovebox to see what can be found behind it in the wiring harness. Nothing obvious and no sign that the loom has been interfered with by a PO.
I need either some expert assistance or a copy of the full wiring and connectors from the EW book. Please.
Sunday morning. Try to start the 80. All that can be achieved is 2 or 3 clicks from relays. After some time managed to locate the starter solenoid hiding in the wing; it appears to be making a satisfactory click when it should. There are two connectors, one with thin wires assumed to be the switch circuit and one with thick wires which presumably operates the starter. Investigation with the meter finds that the thin wires are respectively a live wire connected to the starter position on the ignition switch and an earth, as you'd expect. However, both the thick wires are 0 Volts regardless of ignition switch position.
Obviously this is a fusible link problem! Visually inspect fusible links - they look perfect. Separate the connector. 13volts at both. Test for continuity from each of the spade terminals in the plug with the thick wires at the starter solenoid. No continuity. The two wires leaving the fusible link connector are red and black, the two wires arriving at the solenoid are white and black/red. Connecting 12v to the black/red spins the starter, but doesn't activate the 12/24 changeover relay. Engine starts happily if ignition is on but various warning lights stay on. Voltmeter indicates that battery is charging. Using the ignition switch to try to start activates the 12/24v changeover switch.
It seems to me that the obvious answer is the right one: there is a break in the continuity between the fusible link and the power side of the starter solenoid, and this is also affecting the warning lights. This, it seems to me, is more likely to be a failed connector rather than a broken wire. The wires at each end seem to disappear into the main harness and through the bulkhead and, as they are different colours, might be powering some other items on the way.
Today I have taken off the glovebox to see what can be found behind it in the wiring harness. Nothing obvious and no sign that the loom has been interfered with by a PO.
I need either some expert assistance or a copy of the full wiring and connectors from the EW book. Please.